Illegal Refineries in Rivers State: Issues and Implications on the Environment

This paper examined the negative impacts of illegal oil refining and oil bunkering on the environment of Rivers State. The aim of this paper is to suggest possible measures in addressing these ugly human activities. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods of research, using primary source for data collection. A total of 140 structured questionnaire was designed to licit information from local residents in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Five riverine communities were purposively selected, 28 copies of questionnaire were administered to each community; the chief in council, the youth executives and the community development committee, out of it, 63 questionnaires were retrieved. The samples were conducted to ascertain the motives behind this persistence practice of illegal refinery and bunkering despite government position against it. The results show that Poverty, ignorance, greed, weak institutions to checkmate oil theft (also known as bunkering), lack of infrastructure and basic amenities that encourage small-scaled businesses in the region. It was discovered 48% some youth indulge in it due to frustration as there no employment opportunities, 21,8% are involved as a way life, 30% complain of natural livelihood being destroyed by oil activities in the ecosystem, the rest are involved due the peer influence. Less than 1% opined that illegal refinery is an emerging local technology. The paper suggests the government provide jobs and engage in youth empowerment programs in the region.