ARTISANAL REFINING AND CONFLICT IN RIVERS STATE

Authors: Ottih, Rosecolette Ihuoma, Dr Innocent Barikor & Prof. H. E. Alapiki

ABSTRACT

This paper sought to critically interrogate the challenge of artisanal refining and conflict in Rivers State. Communities in Rivers State have recorded conflicts traceable to artisanal refining. Artisanal refining of petroleum products has become a source of revenue for young people in the oil-bearing communities of Rivers State. The activities of these artisanal refiners pose a lot of conflict within the communities, and with it comes attendant economic, environmental, and social consequences for the country. While adopting the relative deprivation theory, the paper discovered that the contributing factors to artisanal refining of crude oil have been discovered to include ethnic marginalization/neglect, political exclusion, unemployment, poverty, political manipulation, youth exuberance, state repression, youth solidarity, and attitude toward multinational oil companies (MNOCs). Based on the above findings, the paper recommends the establishment of modular refineries that will increase employment for youths and further reduce the trend of the phenomenon.

Keywords: artisanal refining, conflict, ethnic groups, militia groups.

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