Niger Delta youths fume over continued delay in resumption of Port Harcourt Refinery

The Niger Delta Youth Network, NDYN, has expressed disappointment over the inability of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, to commence fuel production at the Port Harcourt Refinery in Rivers State.

The group said they are worried that despite numerous promises, the refinery has failed to function.

Newspot reports that the refinery had failed to commence operations after about six postponements as of August this year.

In a statement by its convener, Dakuku Francis, the youth group lamented that the recurring failure by the NNPCL “confirms that a cabal within the company is deliberately scheming to exploit the region’s crude oil producers”.

The group demanded action from the company, insisting that there are concerns that the repeated delays may be part of plots by the NNPCL to exploit the region’s resources.

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Francis alleged plans by stakeholders in the sector to utilize the Port Harcourt refinery as a blending company.

He stated that the failure to provide a clear timeline for the commencement of fuel production has created uncertainty and distrust among stakeholders.

Francis said: “The NNPCL’s lack of transparency and accountability has exacerbated regional tensions. We are demanding answers and action from the company, the repeated delays are part of a larger plot to exploit our region’s resources.

“The failure to provide a clear timeline for the commencement of fuel production has created uncertainty and distrust among stakeholders.

“The NNPCL’s silence on the reasons behind the repeated delays and broken promises has raised questions about the company’s commitment to the region’s development.

“We are concerned that the company’s actions may be driven by a desire to use Port Harcourt as a blending company where Kyari and his cronies will bring imported fuel into the country, mix it with chemicals and sell to the people of the Niger Delta region at the detriment of their health.”