Page 15 - DMEA Week 03 2022

DMEA NEWS IN BRIEF DMEA

the development of non-fossil fuels. transformation projects within the framework is a welcome respite for the people of the state,
“Even the developed countries will not of a project to develop and modernise the more still needs to be done.
be able to move as fast as is projected. We petroleum sector. Recall that civil society groups, local
see Africa and many regions of the world This project will be implemented in all communities, the media and youths, under
continuing to rely on fossil fuel energy at petroleum companies in addition to other the auspices of Young Friends of the Earth
a time when deliberate decisions are being projects to build several new pipelines to keep Nigeria (YFoEN), have engaged in research
made to stop funding fossil fuel projects. The pace with the state’s plans to expand in new and advocacy with the aim of making
world risks abandoning fossil for renewable, cities such as New El Alamein. different tiers of government and regulatory
but in the end not getting the renewables, He stressed that the new petrol production institutions to take decisive actions to halt
and at the same time losing the fossils due to complex at ASORC is one of the important persistent air pollution.
deliberate neglect”, he explained. projects implemented by the petroleum ERA/FoEN stated that four years after
Ibrahim urged African refiners to invest sector in Upper Egypt. It was inaugurated local communities, civic groups and youths
more in technology and develop the right by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi during protested on the streets of Port Harcourt, the
expertise to manage their refineries, which the Upper Egypt Week. He highlighted government of Rivers State finally decided
are going to serve the continent as western the complex’s important role in providing to take first step towards dealing with the
refiners halt the establishment of more the governorates of Upper Egypt’s needs monster.
refineries. of petroleum products, especially gasoline, The group noted that a 2016 World
He stated: “African refiners have no which has been 100% provided. Health Organisation (WHO) factsheet on air
cause to worry about their investments. All The minister pointed out that the oil pollution stated that air pollution around the
they need to do is to ensure that they have pipeline network is essential for the state’s world is responsible for 4.2 million premature
developed the right expertise to manage their development goals, as it will transport crude deaths globally, every year.
refineries, get honest managers and staff to oil and petroleum products to and from Ojo said: “Although, the current action of
run their business and come together to join production sites, refineries, consumption the Rivers State government is a welcomed
APPO’s initiative to establish foundries and places, and ports — whether for export or respite for the people of the state, more still
other equipment manufacturing plants to import. needs to be done. The governments of other
service their refineries. Once they have these, This highlights the important role that Niger Delta states need to take similar actions
the market is there for their products.” Egypt plays as a regional hub for oil and gas by identifying and properly decommissioning
GUARDIAN trade. all illegal crude oil refining sites in their states
During the two assemblies, Maged to halt this self-inflicted destruction of our
Egypt plans refinery, Mustafa Al-Kurdi, the President of ASORC; environment and unnecessary loss of lives.”
and Mohamed Bakheet, the President of the
Ojo also called for the development of a
pipeline investment PPC gave a presentation on the details of the holistic framework that addresses both the
supply of artisanal products and the high
planning budget for FY2022/2023.
Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources DAILY NEWS demands for the products, which include
Tarek El-Molla has announced that the new rising cost of living, unemployment and
budget of the Assiut Oil Refining Company ERA/FoEN seeks end to severe impact from hydrocarbon pollution on
(ASORC) and the Petroleum Pipelines rural livelihoods.
Company (PPC) targets investments illegal oil refining “There is the need for providing alternative
amounting to about EGP 7bn to raise the income generation sources for these youths
efficiency of the production system. Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the to discourage them from the illegal act, hence
According to a Wednesday statement, Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has applauded governments must diversify our economy
this enhancement is set to be done through actions by Rivers State government to address from oil and gas dependence towards a
developing and modernising production units oil theft and refining of stolen crude oil. transition to renewable energy sources such as
using the latest equipment and advanced The group also called on Federal and state solar mini-grid and off-grid systems.”
technologies for the safety of operations and governments in the Niger Delta region to ERA/FoEN Director of Programmes and
the preservation of human resources. convene a national dialogue to discuss and Administration, Mike Karikpo, alleged that
After the general assembly meetings of agree on steps to deal with the menace. “security agencies in the Niger Delta region
the two companiesto approve their planning Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo, Executive Director of aid, influence and provide protection for oil
budget for FY2022/23, El-Molla said that ERA/FoEN, in a statement, said: Although the thieves and artisanal oil refining activities.
the new budget also aims to complete digital current action of the Rivers State government This is, therefore, a matter of national security

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