Burning illegal oil refineries might cause remaining natural ecosystems to crumble down

Jun 29, 2012 09:50 GMT  ·  By

Recent news informs us that, throughout the last five months, Nigerian local authorities and owners of illegal oil refineries have been involved in an on-going battle that in the end none of them might win.

Thus, urged by the government and by oil companies, security officers here were asked to torch down about 900 said refineries, as these supposedly prevent the former from keeping their profits within the desired limits.

On the other hand, those who work at these illegal refineries argue that this is their only shot at making a living, as no proper jobs are available for them, reports Voice of America.

The same source also informs us that some of the people here even explained how, should they have some other option, they would take it in no time, as refining oil is a “dirty job” that does not really appeal to them.

Financial and social aspects aside – although, make no mistake, these are not things to be treated lightly – what worries us is how this conflict will impact on the wellbeing of the natural habitats which still remain standing in Niger's Delta.

As most geographical atlases would argue, this particular area is home to countless plant and animal species, which should be allowed to carry on with their living undisturbed.

However, as is quite easy to guess, burning down oil refineries, as illegal as they may be, can lead to nothing good in terms of environmental protection.

What makes matters even worse is that oil companies here already have a rather impressive record in terms of causing considerable amounts of pollution.

Thus, as a result of faults in oil pipelines or other similar problems, the Niger River Delta can no longer support the local fishing industry and the people living in communities nearby have to deal with significant health issues.