IPS urges concentration on downstream projects

THE Institute of Petroleum Studies (IPS), Centre for Gas, Refining and Petrochemicals of the University of Port Harcourt has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the downstream projects if it desires urgent development.

Making the call during the fourth International Petroleum Downstream Conference in Port Harcourt, director of the centre, Prof. Godwin Igwe, noted that since the beginning of the conference three years ago, there had no improvement in the country as fuel scarcity remains a topical challenge.

“Our refineries are still not producing their installed capacities to meet the nation’s needs, and our wealth is still flared in smoke, creating environmental pollution and havoc to our citizens,” he said. “Illegal refineries remain hazardous to our economic survival and security.”

According to him, the downstream project is very essential to the country now, and “until we acquire what all industrialised nations have in common – competencies for manufacturing uncountable products – the country will remain underdeveloped.”