The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has criticised the manner, which Nigeria’s security operatives deployed to stop oil theft in the Niger Delta act, saying the act is crippling the nation’s economy.

Executive Director, ERA/FoEN, Chima Williams, frowned on the act, saying burning and destruction of vessels carrying illegal crude oil is “environmentally unfriendly and not the solution to oil theft.”

Williams said destroying stolen crude is a disservice to the economy, considering that such destroyed product could be used to generate funds for infrastructure development and better the people’s living standards.

The Executive Director, who confirmed this to The Guardian via telephone, yesterday, said it is worrisome that security operatives have been burning and destroying contents of oil vessels without taking cognisance of their negative impacts on the economy and the environment.

Williams said: “Destroying such vessels with crude contents leaves high level chemical debris that follow tidal movement to other parts of the country. This kind of devastation destroys aquatic organisms needed to satisfy man’s nutritional and survival needs.”

He added: “What is discharged from the crude and vessels are harmful to human health. The health implications may not be immediate, but will be transferred to the people who inhabit these areas, considering that the primary occupation of the Riverine people is fishing and farming.

“Destroying badges of crude that runs into millions is equivalent to denying the nation and its people of the revenue that can be derived from it. This is a country in dire need of resources. The country is in heavy debt, yet we are destroying a resource that could be used to enhance our economy. The burnt vessels can be put to other uses such as, enhancing the work of seafarers in the country.”