The Artisanal Refining and Socioeconomic Development in Rivers State, Nigeria, 2007-2017
- April 17, 2020
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: IJRISS, Political Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue IV, April 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186
The Artisanal Refining and Socioeconomic Development in Rivers State, Nigeria, 2007-2017
OGELE, Eziho Promise1, Egobueze, Anthony2
1,2Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Rivers State University, Nkpolu Oroworukwu, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Abstract: – Artisanal refining of petroleum products in Rivers State has become a source of revenue for young people in the oil-bearing communities. This study attempts to interrogate the socioeconomic implication of artisanal refining in the Rivers State. Applying the Relative Deprivation Theory, the study explored what prompted the emergence of artisanal refining and its socioeconomic implication on development in Rivers State. To achieve its objectives, the study adopted triangulation method as sources of data collection. Primary data obtained through questionnaire and interviews, was analysed through descriptive statistical and quantitative methods. While the content analysis was used in the analysis of the secondary data. The study unravelled that the flames which emanate from the process of artisanal refining of crude oil increase global warning because the process of refining is relatively unprofessional and lacked international standard of crude oil refining, which often leads to hazards and pollution. Also, the study discovered that artisanal refining increased the number of school dropouts, cult rivalry, arms proliferation, among others in the State and recommends that the creation of awareness on the consequences of artisanal refining on the ecosystem, among others would engender meaningful development in the State.
Key Words: artisanal, development, refining, socioeconomic, Rivers State.
I. INTRODUCTION
Crude oil was discovered in commercial quantity in 1956 and 1958 respectively in Olibiri and Umuechem. Before the discovery, agriculture was the major vocations of the residents of Rivers State. The discovery of crude oil in 1956 has relatively created poverty in Rivers State in particular and the Niger Delta at large due to the degree of environmental degradation. Several legislations, especially, the Petroleum Act of 1969 alienate the residents of oil bearing communities from the control of the oil resources in their locality. This law vests the control of mineral resources on the Federal Government and estranges the right of oil bearing communities in the petrol-dollar business.
