KPO-Fire: The Effect of Unharnessed Technology in Niger Delta, South - South Nigeria.

Abstract

The extraction and processing of minerals have visible and notable effect on workers and citizens within the area. Of interest to this work is the effect of “Kpo-fire” Which is the explosion that results from local refining technology. However local refining technology sustained the short lived Republic of Biafra during Nigerian civil war. There are two categories of Kpo-fire – the primary and the secondary level. The most pitiable is the secondary level. It has been observed that the products that lead to “kpo-fire” can hardly be distinguished from properly refined products; therefore users are at mercy of explosion, since that is the only way to distinguished real and fake product. This work has attempted to identify kpo-fire kerosene and measures to prevent kpo-fire which include among other things –  the rate of evaporation, attract fire faster around the wick than expected, gives cool effect like that of fuel (petrol) to the skin. So, users must ensure that there is no fire in the stove or lamp before top up or refill. The lid should be closed properly after top up. Avoid splash of kerosene on the floor, stove or lamp, or any rag around the cooking area. Always have a damp detergent soaked towel around the kitchen or lightning point. To create job and to discourage illegal refining, we suggest that those involved in illegal refining be trained and encouraged to register with the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR). This will save Nigeria from importing finished products like kerosene and petrol. Our candid suggestion is that illegal refiners should not be killed or arrested or imprisoned, rather that government should take over the local refiners and improve the standard in spirit of amnesty.

Keywords: Exploration, illegal refineries, kpo-fire, Mineral Resources, Nigeria.