The Federal Government, through the Minister for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has promised to tackle the soot situation in Rivers State.
Sylva made the promise on Thursday while delivering a speech at the 6th National Council on Hydrocarbon held in Port Harcourt.
The minister, represented by Nasir Gwazor, a Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, said he was deeply concerned about the soot, which he said has made it challenging for residents.
He stated that his ministry is aware of the problem and would work with the federal ministry of environment to provide a solution.
“My good people of Port Harcourt, the soot is unacceptable. It has made life hellish for residents.
“The Ministry of Petroleum Resources, therefore, realises this problem and we are going to continue to work with the Ministry of Environment to provide a lasting solution.”
In his remarks, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike appealed to Rivers people to avoid illegal practices detrimental to the oil sector.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Peter Medee, appealed to citizens “to continue to support the efforts of the federal government to strengthen the production of crude oil as today the major chunk of revenue of this country that will drive the sustenance of the economy is from this sector.
“It is on that note that we call on you to avoid illegal practices and negative tendencies that will affect this noble provision that God has given to us”.
