PORT HARCOURT SOOT: DON’T FEAR THAT BLACK STUFF THERE. BE AFRAID OF THE ONES YOU CANNOT SEE

By Idongesit F. Oduok Soot in Port Harcourt has been a cause for serious concern of recent. This is suspected to be from activities of those producing illegal fuels (bunker kerosene) at the creeks. I suppose the soot is as a result of them burning a portion of crude oil to generate energy to cook the crude to obtain kerosene etc. In industrial setting this is done in well designed furnaces to control the release of pollutants. But these folks at the creek are using crude method to distill crude oil to obtain crude kerosene, hence you see these pollutants in addition to the loss of lives of the masses from explosion of this their crude kerosene. Adverse air pollution may be divided into two classes – acute and chronic effects. Acute effects manifest themselves immediately upon short term exposure to air pollutants at high concentrations, and chronic effects become evident only after continuous exposure to low levels of air pollution. The chronic effects are very difficult to demonstrate and are consequently less obvious. Soot is classified as particulate. It is carbon released from the crude oil molecule due to incomplete combustion. Its effect is acute, as you can see and experience its presence almost immediately. The effect include general physical discomfort, skin irritation, damage to paint and aesthetic of both built and natural environment. Other effect includes upper respiratory tract infection. On the positive side, if you can lay hold on a good quantity of this soot you can use it to produce printer ink, paint, and other products that require carbon as feedstock. What should be our greatest fear? That black stuff you see there is a lesser evil compared to several other invisible pollutants you cannot see. In the midst of that black smoke are hundreds of unseen pollutants – they are colourless. These include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These unseen pollutants are highly carcinogenic. How bad can things be? In future Port Harcourt may turn out to be the cancer headquarters of the world if nothing is done urgently to address this mayhem. And the right time for action is now. (Idongesit Oduok works on achieving a pollution free environment. This he does by designing reactors that efficiently obtain energy and material resources from waste. 07037263653. odfidservices@gmail.com. odfidtechnicalworld.blogspot.com)

FOOD SAFETY: WHY YOU SHOULD DRINK SUGAR DRINKS AND NOT "NO SUGARS"

When you drink "no sugar" products they still taste sweet and even sweeter than sugars. Why? What is added there are sweeteners e.g. Aspartame or Saccharin. When you hear "no sugar" it is more of marketing term than safety. If you consume sugar in excess, worse that will happen is diabetes mellitus but if you consume sweeteners in excess you stand a chance of having cancer - a bigger devil. We need sugar in our body but I doubt if we need sweeteners. Sugars are natural chemicals while sweeteners are man-made. A small dose of sugar is good for you as it will be a primary source of energy. Good news is that you can burn it off completely if you are a hustlers - children are experts on this. Are you scared of diabetes? Only sugars that you can't burn off give diabetes. Meaning you consumed more than you needed. Mind you there are people that do not consume sugar but still have diabetes. Why? This type is due to imbalance of Antidiuretic hormone (ADH). In summary: Consume sugar not sweeteners. Do not take excess sugar. Honey, glucose are awesome for you.

LET ME COACH YOU ON HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY

I will be online to assist senior secondary school students on Chemistry. Go to comment, type or snap your questions. I am here to assist. Share with other kids

HOW IT WORKS: KEROSENE STOVE

This is kerosene stove. How do you use it? You put kerosene in the tank and leave space above the kerosene so you fill air. You lock the kerosene inlet. Pour little amount of spirit (alcohol, methylated spirit, or little amount of kerosene) around the lower part of the burner, light it and allow some time for the burner to heat up. Pump air into the kerosene champers, with the help of pump attached - Pump there work like that of bicycle. The air/kerosene mixture will burn to give flame without smoke. Anyone that has the stove should advertise in the comment section here. Whoever needs the stove should indicate interest. Ask any question you have on the technical aspect of this product.

SUCCESSFUL: BIOMASS WASTE TO ALCOHOL

Alcohol has many applications in the industry – as fuel, in producing diethyl ether, for sterilization etc. Two major methods of producing alcohol are hydrolysis of ethene and fermentation of glucose. Glucose is an expensive feedstock hence other carbohydrates are used. The good news is we can now produce alcohol from biomass wastes such as sugarcane bagasse and sawdust. In a research that I provided Technical Assistance at my Center, we were able to breakdown the lignin that hindered access to cellulose in these wastes, did chemical hydrolysis and then fermented the reducing sugar to alcohol. Physico-chemical analysis as well as GC-MS/FTIR result confirmed the claim. At Odfid Technical Center we conduct trial experiments at our lab, develop research proposal before a study is advanced to specialized laboratories for analysis, then we analyze results using Excel and MATLAB. Ongoing environmental researches we are assisting include converting biomass waste to biogas and biopolymer, development of adsorbent, design of batch reactor, combustor, and adsorber. “Odfid … Ensuring competence.” 07037263653

MY HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY KIDS MADE THIS SALT

 

The attached picture made my day.

A group of SS2 students in one of the schools I visit to teach Chemistry came excitedly, "Sir, we have produced our own salt. We would not buy salt again in the market."

 

I taught them in SS1 SEPARATION TECHNIQUES that you can obtain salt (NaCl) by evaporating sea water to dryness.

 

The students now secretly arranged for one of them to visit Ibeno water and get sample of the seawater which they evaporated to dryness and here comes our locally made salt.

Qualitative Analysis: The salt produced on exposure to air was found to be deliquescent - attracts water from the atmosphere to dissolve itself. It dissolves completely in water. The solution of the salt gave white precipitate when tested with solution of silver nitrate, the precipitate was insoluble in nitric acid (confirmatory test for chlorides)

This indeed is very rewarding as it has been my expectation to help this young minds to begin now to figure out ways of harnessing our natural resources.

While I will continue with the work of purifying the product at my private technical center, I have advised them that the salt need to be purified to remove carbonates and other non-sodium halides etc.

We would in the present state use the salt as preservative for our emulsion paint, we would use it for laboratory test for chlorides and to demonstrate removal of hardness of water (water softening by ion exchange).

My philosophy of high school chemistry is to let them understand the theory, carry out the laboratory practicals, and apply the knowledge to do mini projects.

 

CURRENT JOBS: APPLY IMMEDIATELY

 

1. DANGOTE JOB

2. NAMPAK NIGERIA LIMITED - Chemical and Electrical Engineers (Degree/HND)

Nampak Nigeria Limited - We are a frontline multinational manufacturing company with clientele cutting across the major sector of the economy.

Applications are invited for:

Title: 2022 Graduate Trainee Program

Location: Nigeria

Requirements

BSc - 2nd Class Upper or HND - distinction

Chemical or Electrical Engineering

0 year work experience

Not older than 25 years of age by January 2022

Application Closing Date

15th October, 2021.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: bevcan.hr@nampak.com using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.

3. GRACECO LIMITED

Technical Operator (Functional Trainee)

Company: Graceco Limited

Location: Lagos

Job Summary

We are searching for a smart and well-focused Engineering graduate to join our team as a Functional trainee who will be in charge of specific machine on the production.

The person will operate the machine and ensure it is working optimally.

To be successful as a trainee engineer, you should always be expanding your engineering knowledge and sharpening your communication skills.

Requirements

Graduate of Electrical Engineering, 2.1 or better

0 - 2 years work experience.

Post degree training from Institute like IIT would be added advantage

Applicants under age of 30 are preferred.

Applicant who resides within Ikeja, Agege, Ipaja, Otta, Alagbado and environs will have added advantage.

Applicant must be knowledgeable about basic TPM knowledge, autonomous maintenance step 1,2,3 is preferable.

Basic computer skills (windows, excel) is preferable to enter performance results in the related database.

HACCP & Hygiene oriented.

Apply here:

https://lnkd.in/esPrvXKe

SS3 CHEMISTRY LESSON NOTE: PETROLEUM REFINING

 

1.0     Introduction

Fractional distillation is the process by which oil refineries separate crude oil into different, more useful hydrocarbon products based on their relative molecular weights in a distillation tower. This is the first step in the processing of crude oil, and it is considered to be the main separation process as it performs the initial rough separation of the different fuels. The different components that are separated out during this process are known as fractions. Fractions that are separated out include gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and bitumen. Fractional distillation allows a lot of useful products to be made from crude oil, with many environmental consequences for the use of those useful products

1.1     Process

The process of fractional distillation is fairly simple, but is powerful in the way that it separates all the different, complex components of crude oil. First, the crude oil is heated to vapourize it and is fed into the bottom of a distillation tower. The resulting vapour then rises through the vertical column. As the gases rise through the tower, the temperature decreases. As the temperature decreases, certain hydrocarbons begin to condense and run off at different levels. Each fraction that condenses off at a certain level contains hydrocarbon molecules with a similar number of carbon atoms. These boiling point 'cuts' allow several hydrocarbons to be separated out in a single process. It is this cooling with the height of the tower that allows for the separation.

After this rough refinement, individual fuels may undergo more refinement to remove any contaminants or undesirable substances, or to improve the quality of the fuel through cracking.

1.1.1  Fractions of petroleum

There are several ways of classifying the useful fractions that are distilled from crude oil. One general way is by dividing into three categories: light, middle, and heavy fractions. Heavier components condense at higher temperatures and are removed at the bottom of the column. The lighter fractions are able to rise higher in the column before they are cooled to their condensing temperature, allowing them to be removed at slightly higher levels. In addition to this, the fractions have the following properties:

• Light distillate is one of the more important fractions, and its products have boiling points around 70-200°C. Useful hydrocarbons in this range include gasoline, naphta (a chemical feedstock), kerosene, jet fuel, and paraffin. These products are highly volatile, have small molecules, have low boiling points, flow easily, and ignite easily.
• Medium distillate are products that have boiling points of 200-350°C. Products in this range include diesel fuel and gas oil - used in the manufacturing of town gas and for commercial heating.
• Heavy distillates are the products with the lowest volatility and have boiling points above 350°C. These fractions can be solid or semi-solid and may need to be heated in order to flow. Fuel oil is produced in this fraction. These products have large molecules, a low volatility, flow poorly, and do not ignite easily.

However, there are two major components that are not accounted for in these three categories. At the very top of the tower are the gases that are too volatile to condense,such as propane and butane. At the bottom are the "residuals" that contain heavy tars too dense to rise up the tower, including bitumen and other waxes. To further distill these they undergo steam or vacuum distillation as they are very useful.

1.2     Locations of petroleum refinery in Nigeria

The downstream industry in Nigeria is well established. NNPC has four refineries, two in Port Harcourt (PHRC), and one each in Kaduna (KRPC) and Warri (WRPC). The refineries have a combined installed capacity of 445,000 bpd. A comprehensive network of pipelines and depots strategically located throughout Nigeria links these refineries. 

Cracking of hydrocarbons

The process of breaking higher hydrocarbons with high boiling points into a variety of lower hydrocarbons that are more volatile (low boiling), is called cracking (or pyrolysis). For example, a higher hydrocarbon C₁₀H₂₂ splits according to the reaction.

The process of cracking, increases the relative amounts of the lower hydrocarbons. During cracking, carbon-carbon bonds get broken in a random manner, leading to various kinds of products being formed.

Types of cracking

Thermal cracking

Breaking down large molecules by heating at high temperature and pressure is termed as thermal cracking. Thermal cracking is further classified into the following classes.

• Liquid phase thermal cracking process: The higher boiling fractions e.g., fuel oil, lubricating oil are converted into low boiling fractions by heating the liquids at a temperature of 750 K, under a pressure of about 10 atmosphere.

• Vapor phase thermal cracking process: Low boiling fraction e.g., kerosene is cracked in the vapor phase at a temperature of about 875 K and under a pressure of 3 atmosphere.

Catalytic cracking

Higher hydrocarbons can also be cracked at lower temperature (600 - 650 K) and lower pressure (2 atm) in the presence of a suitable catalyst. Catalytic cracking produces gasoline of higher octane number and therefore this method is used for obtaining better quality gasoline. A typical catalyst used for this purpose is a mixture of silica (SiO₂), 4 parts; alumina (Al₂O₃), 1 part, and manganese-dioxide (MnO₂), 1 part.

Steam cracking

Here, higher hydrocarbons are mixed with steam in their vapor phase and heated for a short duration to about 900°C, and cooled rapidly. This process is suitable for obtaining lower unsaturated hydrocarbons.

1.3     Reforming

Reforming, in chemistry, processing technique by which the molecular structure of a hydrocarbon is rearranged to alter its properties. The process is frequently applied to low-quality gasoline stocks to improve their combustion characteristics. Thermal reforming alters the properties of low-grade naphthas by converting the molecules into those of higher octane number by exposing the materials to high temperatures and pressures. Catalytic reforming uses a catalyst, usually platinum, to produce a similar result. Mixed with hydrogen, naphtha is heated and passed over pellets of catalyst in a series of reactors, under high pressure, producing high-octane gasoline.

Reforming or aromatisation involves the conversion of open chain (aliphatic) hydrocarbons and/or cycloalkanes in the presence of a catalyst, into aromatic hydrocarbons (arenes) containing the same number of carbon atoms. Aromatisation involves reactions of the type, dehydrogenation, cyclisation, and isomerisation.

In reforming (or aromatisation), cyclic and acyclic alkanes containing six to eight carbon atoms are heated at about 670 K in the presence of palladium, platinum or nickel as catalyst. Platinum seems to be the best catalyst and so the process is sometimes called platforming.

NLNG IS EMPLOYING HND ENGINEERING GRADUATES

 JOB VACANCY

We seek to engage suitably qualified candidates for employment into the following positions:

​

1.    TRAINEE OPERATOR (PO/2021/001)

The Job Objective: To carry out daily field operational activities in the assigned plant area in a safe and efficient manner; contributing to steady and sustained production in line with daily production targets.

2.    TRAINEE TECHNICIAN (PM/2021/001)

The Job Objective: To execute Field or Workshop Maintenance tasks, to meet work Programs, safety requirements, and quality standards in order to ensure plant integrity, reliability and availability in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner.

Both positions are located in Bonny Island, Rivers State. 

The Person:

1. To be eligible to apply for the TRAINEE OPERATOR position, candidate should:

• ​​​Possess a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Chemical, Process, Instrumentation, Mechanical or Electronics /Electrical Engineering, obtained at a minimum of Upper Credit Level

​​​2. To be eligible to apply for the TRAINEE TECHNICIAN position, candidate should:

• ​​​​Possess a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics), Metallurgy, Instrumentation Engineering obtained at a minimum of Upper Credit Level

For both positions, in addition to the requirements above, candidates should:

• Be able to demonstrate proficiency in information technology
• Have completed NYSC not earlier than year 2018

​During application, please note the following:

• For best user experience, do not use Mobile Phones. Only make use of laptops and desktops
• Ensure you have any of the following Supported Internet browsers
•  Microsoft Internet Explorer - 11.0 & later
• Mozilla Firefox - 63.0 & later    
• Apple Safari – 6.2 & later
• Google Chrome – 68.0 & later

All interested prospective applicants should:

A. Log on to www.nigerialng.com 

B. Click on “Careers”

C. Click on “Current Vacancies”

D. Click on “Register with Us” on Related Links to register

E. Click on “Login to Job Portal” on Related Links 

F. Search and click on the position to access the details and apply

G. Attach /upload copies of relevant certificates along with application - on the Job Portal

Attachment of the underlisted documents is mandatory:

1. Government issued Birth Certificate
2. Copies of Tertiary education certificates
3. Copies of Secondary education certificates
4. Copies of Primary education certificates
5. NYSC completion certificate

If you have an​y challenges , please write to ​Opstech.Recruitment202122@nlng.com for support. ​

                                                                  IMPORTANT NOTE

• NLNG DOES NOT DEMAND PAYMENT FROM APPLICANTS as the application is entirely FREE OF CHARGE
• NLNG DOES NOT ASSIGN AGENTS to assist applicants in processing applications
• Applications open 21st September 2021 and closes 12th October 2021
• Only successful candidates at each stage of the exercise will be contacted
  
• Only applications completed via the NLNG JOB PORTAL are valid
• Any false information provided during or after the application process will lead to the outright disqualification of such candidate(s)

To commence application click: https://www.nigerialng.com/Careers/Pages/Current-Vacancies.aspx

EXXONMOBIL WANTS TO EMPLOY A LITIGATION ATTORNEY

 

Job Role Summary

 

Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (“MPN”), an ExxonMobil affiliate incorporated in Nigeria, is one of the largest crude oil and natural gas producers in Nigeria. MPN is looking for an attorney with strong litigation experience to manage a varied docket of commercial, environmental, land and tort matters. The attorney will handle a variety of matters and will work independently with supervision that is appropriate for the attorney’s level of experience. 

Job Role Responsibilities

 

Actively manage a wide docket of commercial, environmental, land and tort matters, including responsibility for case strategy, legal analysis, witness preparation, depositions, judicial proceedings (hearings, trials, appeals, etc.).

Provide legal counsel and support as needed on various risk management issues.

Coordinate and interface with outside counsel to ensure proper handling of matters where outside counsel is retained.

Handle a significant case load (volume and complexity).

Review documents and pleadings as relevant and necessary associated with the above matters.

Communicate with and advise business clients and law management regarding case status and key milestones.

Work and coordinate with, and provide and seek advice from, other lawyers.

Expected Level of Proficiency

 

Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and – minimum of Second Class Honours (Upper Division).

Barrister at Law (B.L) from the Nigerian Law School and licensed to practice in Nigeria.

Strong academic record, a Master’s Degree in Law will be an added advantage.

Strong research and analytical skills.

Highest ethical standards and integrity.

Strong interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills.

Ability to exercise sound business judgment and work both independently and as part of an integrated legal team.

At least Ten (10) years of post-call legal experience, all (or substantially all) of which is in litigation.

Preference for energy industry experience.

Experience in handling and managing significant and complex litigation matters.

Knowledge of Civil Procedure and Rules of Evidence.

Ability to travel domestically, as needed.

 

Alternate Location:  

Conditions of Employment

Successful candidates will be made a conditional offer of employment. The conditions include, but are not limited to: a satisfactory criminal records disclosure; satisfactory employment references over five years (where applicable); verification of qualifications, including any professional accreditation stated in the application; completion of a pre-employment medical, including a test for illicit or unprescribed drugs in accordance with the Company's safety policies; and the legal right to work on the agreed commencement date.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

ExxonMobil and Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (“MPN”), an ExxonMobil affiliate incorporated in Nigeria, are equal opportunity employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. All applicants are offered equal opportunity to demonstrate their abilities during our recruitment processes, therefore, please contact the Recruitment Team if you wish to discuss any particular requirements to enable you to complete our recruitment process.

https://jobs.exxonmobil.com/ExxonMobil/job/Lagos-Litigation-Attorney-LA/789733900/?from=email&refid=8798441900&utm_source=J2WEmail&source=2&eid=99500-202122190122-16855596900&locale=en_US

WATER SAFETY: HOW LONG SHOULD SACHET WATER BE STORED FOR DRINKING

 

You can store your sachet and bottled water up to 4 weeks from the date of production. A 4 – 12 weeks shelf life for packaged drinking water is recommended.

Water is life and every living thing depends on it for existence. Sachet water has gradually become the most widely consumed liquid in Nigeria with varying qualities.

Olaniyan and others of the Department of Civil Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State Nigeria studied Ten (10) brands of sachet water from Ogbomoso South and North Local government area and recommended 12 weeks shelf life of water from the date of production.

Akpen and others of the Department of Civil Engineering, University Of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State analyzed eight brands of sachet water and four brands of bottled water samples were collected from different manufacturers at Gboko town, Benue State. They recommended 12 weeks shelf life.

Akinde and others of the Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Osun State University evaluated the effect of storage on the physico-chemical status and bacteriological quality of sachet water produced in Port Harcourt. 10 brands of sachet water was studied and recommended that expiry date of sachet water produced in Nigeria should not exceed four weeks from the date of production

Highlight of scholarly work

Olaniyan et.al, 2016 investigated the temporal variation in water quality of Sachet water produced in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Ten (10) brands of sachet water from Ogbomoso South and North Local government area were collected within 24 hours of production and stored at standard room temperature and conditions. Sub-samples were drawn from the stock samples on daily basis for physico-chemical measurements on the water samples Temperature, pH, colour, turbidity, Hardness, Total Alkalinity, Dissolve Oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Nitrate - C, (7.96 - 8.80) and (20-70) Hazen, respectively. The Total hardness EC and DO and BOD values varied from (45- 105)mg/l, (11 - 184)µs, (2.83 - 12.24)mg/L and (18.2 - 28.4)mg/l, respectively. Shelf life for the selected sachet water in Ogbomoso is 12 weeks from the date of production under laboratory condition with partial exposure to sunlight.

Akpen et.al, 2018 evaluated the quality of selected sachet and bottled water produced and sold within Gboko town, Benue State was investigated to determine their Shelf life. Eight brands of sachet water and four brands of bottled water samples were collected from different manufacturers within 24 hours and stored at ambient temperature. Sub-samples were drawn from the stock samples at intervals of three weeks up to a period of 15 weeks and subjected to physical, chemical and microbial examination. Results for physical and chemical analysis revealed that all the samples examined were wholesome by the 12th week of study except, samples K4and B4 (Wishden sachet and bottled water) which had iron contents of 0.50 mg/L and 0.53 mg/L respectively which were above WHO Standard value of 0.30 mg/L. Total and Escherichia coliforms appeared in all sachet water samples and three bottled water samples analyzed within the first 6 weeks but were no longer detected in any of the samples from the 12th week to the end of the investigation period. The highest total coliform of 21 MPN/100mL and Escherichia coli of17 cfu/100mL were recorded on the first day of production of sachet water. It was concluded that some sachet water products consumed in Gboko were not safe for drinking within the first 12 weeks of production. It was recommended that sachet and bottled water produced and consumed in Gboko can be used from the 3 and 12 weeks after production respectively up to 15 weeks. However, there is need to investigate the shelf life beyond 15 weeks to determine the actual shelf life which may be more than 15 weeks.

Akinde et.al, 2011 highlighted the effect of storage on the physico-chemical status and bacteriological quality of sachet water produced in Port Harcourt, Nigeria for a period of four months. Ten brands of sachet water were collected within 24 hours of production and stored at ambient temperature. Sub-samples were drawn from the stock samples on monthly basis for physico-chemical measurement and on weekly basis for enumeration of total aerobic heterotrophic bacteria and indicator organisms using ASTM, APHA and WHO analytical methods. pH values increased in all brands to acceptable WHO limits within 8 weeks of storage and gradually decreased toward the end of the experiment. Dissolved oxygen, volatile organic matter and nitrate values decreased throughout the investigation period while phosphate and potassium values increased throughout the investigation period in all brands tested. Total aerobic heterotrophic bacterial count increased gradually in all brands to unacceptable limit within four weeks of storage and gradually diminished to zero level by the end of experiment. Total and faecal coliform appeared in 40% of sachet water samples analyzed within the first three weeks and were no longer detected throughout the investigation period. Escherichia coli was isolated in one brand at the onset while faecal Streptococci were absent throughout the investigation period. Results of the experiment indicate that 60% of the brands analyzed met the WHO guideline limit for drinking when stored at ambient temperature within four week period. However, storage beyond this period led to diminished aesthetic quality of sachet water and increased proliferation of bacteria to a level deleterious to human health.

References

1.   Olaniyan, S. O.,  A. S. Adeyemi and W.O. Adeleke (2016): Determination of Shelf Life of Selected Sachet Water in Ogbomoso, Oyo State Nigeria. FUOYE Journal of Engineering and Technology, Volume 1, Issue 1. ISSN: 2579-0625 (Online), 2579-0617 (Paper)

2.    Akpen, G. D., I. S. Kpoghol and L. A. Oparaku (2018): Quality Assessment Of Sachet and Bottled Water Soldin Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Technology (NIJOTECH) Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 241 – 248

3.    Akinde, S. B., M. I. Nwachukwu and A. S. Ogamba (2011): Storage Effects on the Quality of Sachet Water Produced within Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria. Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences. Volume 4, Number 3, ISSN 1995-6673 Pages 157 - 164

PLASTIC WASTES TO PAVING STONE

 

WHY I DO NOT SEEM TO BE EXCITED ABOUT THE NEW PETROLEUM INDUSTRY LAW

 

Recall that the President signed the Petroleum Industry Bill into law on the August 16, 2021.

I schooled at the Petroleum Training Institute. You know what that mean? We were trained on the engineering, economics, and politics of the petroleum industry. I had the opportunity to interact with the owners and the controllers of the petroleum resources in the different states of the federation. We daily talked about the hopes and the despairs of being from an oil community. The Ogoni struggle, Ken Saro Wiwa, gas flaring, were our everyday gist back then. So I got so interested in the oil enterprise at a very young age.

Also, as at the time the Petroleum Industry Bill was drafted I owned my personal hard copy which I read line by line, page by page. I was by then an intern at the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and part of my experience was to understand all existing laws in the Nigerian petroleum industry as well as international charter and conventions. I owned a hard copy of the Petroleum Act 1969 which I studied between lines. The petroleum industry bill, to us that saw the original version, was to be the best thing to happen to the Nigerian oil sector, the host community and the nation at large. It was to be a legal framework that harmonizes all extant laws hitherto operating the sector into one document. Hopes were high. We wished the bill was passed into law the next second.

I seriously wonder if it that bill that is now passed into law and it look like nothing happened.

Maybe Nigerians, like myself, from Niger-Delta have experienced things that were highly anticipated but turned out to be a mere ritual.

To me this law might be like one of those things that just happen for happening sake without any or much impact on the masses. I would point a few examples:

1.    Where is the impact of the 13percent oil derivation on the oil producing states: I remembered how as PTI students then we wished the struggle for 13% came speedily. Kudos to Victor Attah, James Ibori, and Peter Odili, that fought for the actualization of that. But where is the impact on the masses? My state still rank up in unemployment.

2.    Where is the impact of Niger Delta Ministry: The only thing all of us know is the Minister of Niger Delta who by now must have greatly increase his net worth but we don’t seem to be aware of any ministry as such. We thought, if we could just have a separate ministry to oversee the affairs of the oil rich region then that would mean heaven on earth.

3.    Where is the impact of stopping gas flaring: It might interest you to know that the cooking gas (LPG) that is now sold at an exorbitant price is waste gas of the oil sector. We dreamt that if it could only be harnessed we would cook free 24 hours with LPG and enjoy electricity free from Natural gas plant. Gas flaring has ceased, the waste gas is now converted to LPG, LNG, and CNG, but can we afford it as Nigerians. Can we access it?

These and many more do make me skeptical about this new law and I ask, why can’t Nigerians benefit from Nigeria?

 

By Idongesit F. Oduok

Visit: www.odfidtechnicalworld.blogspot.com for interesting updates