The Rivers State Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources has called on operators in the extractive industry to be alive to their responsibilities and ensure that adequate safety measures are put in place to protect lives and properties.
Barr. Chinyere Igwe, the Rivers State Commissioner of Energy and Natural Resources stated this at a workshop with the theme” Safety Sensitization and Awareness as Engine for Sustainable Development ” on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
He said the workshop became imperative so as to create necessary safety awareness on operations in the extractive industry.
He noted that due to recent occurrences from the activities of illegal refining of petroleum products which have militated against properties, individuals and investments, there is no better time than now to create the awareness so that those in the extractive industry can all be alive to their responsibilities as operators in the system.
“Because without safety, there will be more loss of resources. Every businessman wants to make a profit, but if you make profits at the detriment of the society, the society will suffer.
“So there must be a balance between the profit of the businessman, the safety of properties of individuals and even the infrastructures which the government is developing.
“So, the workshop is to work in synergy with petroleum-related agencies to consciously instil safety in the hearts of petroleum products adulterators so they know that adulteration of petroleum products is an unsafe habit.
He noted that the campaign initiated by the ministry is in series and will be taken to the nook and Crannies of the extractive industries.
Also, the zonal director of NOSDRA in Rivers State, Sir Cyrus Nkangwung said his agency formed a collaboration with host communities of pipelines to pass information on oil spillages so as to quickly alert companies that own the spilt oil pipelines to clean the spilt oil in order to ensure safety in the host communities.
He said his agency will work in synergy with the ministry of energy and natural resources to ensure utmost safety both on humans and the environment.
On his part, Ihunwo Obi Wali, the State Secretary of Petroleum Task Force stated that his agency will work in synergy with the ministry to minimize the adulteration of petroleum products and pipeline vandalization.
According to him, ” The adulteration of petroleum products to a large extent have really caused environmental hazards, both on water, land and on human health.
He used the medium to appeal to the entire public as well as filling stations owners and private depots not to patronise illegal petroleum products producers.
Also, Inimgba Emmanuel, the state chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketers used the medium to advice tanker drivers to desist from alcoholic substances to avoid accidents.
He also called on the federal government to fix the roads, as most of the Petroleum products are moved to their needed destinations by roads.
He also appealed to the federal government to reduce the prices of petroleum products especially kerosene.
