The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps uncovered an illegal refinery in the Federal Low-cost area of Gombe state on Thursday.Â
Commandant Muhammad Muazu, while parading the suspect, mentioned that the owner was apprehended during the act of producing gasoline in the neighborhood, following complaints from residents.
Commandant Muazu highlighted that the alleged refinery was situated within Gombe metropolis and was reported by community members due to the odorous emissions.
He emphasized the environmental and health hazards posed by the illicit refinery, describing it as not eco-friendly.
Addressing the situation, Abass Adamu, the acting Coordinator of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, commended the NSCDC for alerting their establishment.
He pledged to conduct laboratory analysis on samples taken from the site to determine the authenticity of the gasoline being produced.
Adamu explained that the substance being extracted was not conventional gasoline from crude oil but was derived from other raw materials, making it an unregistered and wrongly sited business.
He emphasized the commitment of the organization to eliminate adulteration in the state and country.
Contrary to the accusations, the Managing Director of the refinery, Abubakar Aliyu, denied it being a refinery, terming it as pyrolysis.
He expressed ignorance about the need for registration with SON and claimed to use materials like tires, nylon, and coal.
Aliyu mentioned attending a workshop in Abuja before establishing the pyrolysis, stating his intention to obtain clearance from the Ministry of Environment.
Aliyu, 44, clarified that he did not construct the facility himself but engaged builders based on his vision.
He asserted his background in Agricultural Engineering and previous involvement in the telecommunications industry, emphasizing that the business had only started three weeks prior.
Residents, who chose to remain anonymous, complained about the environmental pollution caused by the refinery’s odor.
They alleged that the owner was indifferent to the health implications for children and the elderly in the area.
