By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
The Domestic Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria (DROAN) has thrown their weight in support of the Federal Government removal of oil subsidy in the country.
National Chairman of the association, Mr Godwin Sunday, made this known in a press conference in Uyo weekend said the association was in full support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s courageous stand in bringing the subsidy regime to an end.
Sunday urged Nigerians to support the policy and the establishment of modular refineries in the country as this would enhance youth employment and bring an end to youth restiveness, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.
“The oil sector, as we all know has been the major stay of our economy and contribute more than 80 per cent to the growth of our nation.
“Therefore, as responsible citizens of this nation we have seen the need to join hands with the government to protect our major source of sustenance (crude oil).
“We salute the courage of the Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari for bringing the subsidy regime to an end. We applaud the government, and we are also appealing to Nigerians to support the government in this direction.
“We trust that better days are here because the resources that was used for oil subsidy will now be channeled into other developmental projects like education, health and infrastructure development.” The chairman stated.
He said that the association was deeply concerned about the devastating effect of illegal oil bunkering on the ecosystem, planned to embark on sensitization exercise against illegal oil bunkering in the country and has acquired three speed boats to penetrate the Creeks for the exercise.
“Considering the devastating effect on our environment which obviously is leading to the environmental pollution, degradation and even a negative effect on our ecosystem. We as a people, have unanimously aged that we cannot continue to steal what seemingly belong to us.
“To deepen this commitment, we have acquired three speed boats with 75 horse power engine each to enable us penetrate the Creeks to carry out sensitization exercise tagged; “Operation Stop Illegal Bunkering in Nigeria.” Sunday explained.
He appealed to the federal government to set up a Presidential Committee to look into the activities of artisanal oil refiners in the Niger Delta and appealed that individuals and organizations setting up modular refineries should partner with the association for easy and smooth integration of the artisanal refiners.
