The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to introduce a pollution tax on those involved in sabotaging the economy of the country through illegal refining of crude products in oil-producing areas.
The pollution tax, according to the chamber, would be scientifically measured and the proceeds used to finance the cleaning of the environment and provide medical care to the affected communities.
This was part of the resolutions reached on Wednesday, in the motion titled, “curbing soot’s particulate droppings, health hazards concerns and economic sabotage by illegal refining of crude products in Rivers State,” and sponsored by Senator George Sekibo, representing Rivers East senatorial zone.
Sekibo, in his presentation, said that the soot particles experienced in Rivers State, suspected to be after-math of incomplete crude refining process have taken a more dangerous dimension.
He explained that “the sooty particulate substances dropping in the State is becoming too visible that one cannot stay outdoors without receiving drops of them on his body.
According to the lawmaker, “It has become more worrisome that they are seen on bedspreads in bedrooms, worktops in kitchens, chairs and other materials in houses, meaning that they are entering through every available crevice into inner spaces of buildings as the wind carries them.”
He expressed concern over the amount of these particulates being inhaled daily by Rivers residents, noting that the after-effects of their inhalation have not been determined.
He also raised the alarm that some security agents posted to secure the national assets in the area have turned themselves to partners carrying out the acts, “thus giving the criminals impetus to openly commit this national economic crime.”
Sekibo, while commending the Rivers State Government for the war those involved in the criminal act for prosecution, maintained that the issue of a clean environment is one of the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy of the Nigerian State as provided in Section 20 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Consequently, in a six-point resolution, the chamber implored President Muhammadu Buhari to note that there is an impending environmental danger in Rivers state and its environs, caused by individuals who are engaged in illegal refining activities.
They also urged the president to audit security agencies tasked with the responsibility of securing these assets and sanction those culpable of sabotaging the nation’s interest by vandalising pipeline installations and facilities.
The lawmakers further urged the president to use his constitutional power to support the Government of Rivers State in combating these criminal activities and fishing out national economic saboteurs.
