Artisanal Refinery Operations and Sustainable Development in South East Region of Nigeria

Abstract This work examines the operations of small-scale Artisanal refineries in oil producing communities of South East Nigeria. The unregulated and illicit activities of artisanal refineries have hindered sustainable development in the state estate region of Nigeria which further complicates the prevailing poor living standard of the communities, and their sufferings as a result of petroleum exploration/production activities by indigenous youth. The key objective of the study is to examine the impact of Small scale Artisanal refinery operation and sustainable development of South East Region of Nigeria. Using literature review and empirical evidence it was revealed that these illicit artisanal refineries operations have negatively impacted the sustainable development agenda of host oil communities and the most impacted communities are Ohaji, Egbema, Oguta, Uzuaku, Obuzor Asa, Umuorie, Owaza, Obibo, Umuokwor, and Imo River communities. This study highlighted the need for an immediate stop to the spillage, continuous damage to the ecology and remediation of oil-impacted soil, farmland and other means of livelihood in the host oil communities, the urgent termination of crude theft, vandalism, violence, bribery, corruption, social vices, and pollution The study recommends a follow up on the environmental sensitive index (ESI) mapping of all areas affected by the operation of illegal oil refiners, and mostly to rehabilitate and remodel their operations by reorientation, monitoring, regulation, technical support, adoption of modern technology and approval/licence to operate as modular refinery facilities by way of merger, government support and within global best global practices.