THE DESTRUCTION OF ILLEGAL REFINERIES ON THE NIGER DELTA ENVIRONMENT: AN APPRAISAL

Abstract

The aim of this research is to discuss the practice of illegal refining of crude oil, the method of judicial destruction of illegal refineries, the pollution caused by illegal refining in the Niger Delta and to examine the impact of destruction of illegal refineries in Nigeria and people of Niger Delta. The research methodology adopted is doctrinal method by consulting text books, articles, journals and internet sources. Bunkering as used in Nigeria includes; the theft, diversion and smuggling of oil. Illegal refining of crude oil in the Niger Delta causes degradation of the environment; it destroys farms, land and forests thereby reducing arable land for farming. During illegal refining of the crude, it spills into water ways, destroying marine and aquatic life, flora, fauna, resort centres and result in the pollution of potable water. It is noted that clean up and recovery from an oil spill as result of illegal refineries is difficult and depends upon many factors, including the type of oil spilled, the temperature of the water (affecting evaporation and biodegradation) and the types of shorelines and beaches involved. This pollution arising from spills may take weeks, months or even years to clean up. On the other hand, government compounded the situation by introducing Extra-judicial destruction of illegal refineries as the punishment of an alleged offender by an authority (which includes the Joint Task Force) in the Niger Delta without recourse to legal process or supervision from a court or tribunal through a legal proceeding. It involves meting out punishment beyond the action or authority of the force and the mode is usually by setting vessels or container loaded with crude oil or illegally refined produce ablaze which creates more pollution within the Niger Delta.