Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
The Federal Government has said that it will commence the incorporation of artisanal refiners into the mainstream crude oil refining process as part of its efforts to achieve energy security in Nigeria.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Gabriel Aduda, on Wednesday in Abuja inaugurated a Technical Committee that has been charged with the responsibility of fashioning the ways and means of integrating local Artisanal Oil Refiners (AOR) into the larger production ecosystem.
The move, aside from its goal of providing sustainable energy sources for Nigerians, is also aimed at advancing responsible practices in the oil and gas sector in order to guard against environmental degradation.
Aduda, in his opening remarks, stated that the persistent request by AOR was brought to the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who directed the Ministry to review and propose the way forward.
As a result, the Permanent Secretary subsequently approved the proposal to constitute a Technical Committee on subsidy removal without tears and the integration of mini, as well as Artisanal Refinery Operations into the In-Country Oil Refinery Programme.