The Rivers government has sought the support of international oil companies (IOCs) in the establishment of modular refineries in the state.
Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Igbiks Tamuno, who made the appeal during a meeting with representatives of health and safety environment departments of some oil firms operating in the state, explained that the proposed facilities would curb pipeline vandalism, oil theft and activities of illegal refiners.
He challenged the multinationals to run corporate social responsibility programmes and engage the youths by sponsoring vocational trainings and providing soft loans to host communities to alleviate their suffering.