Artisanal Refineries Productivity and Innovation in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study on artisanal refineries' productivity and innovation was aimed to investigate improvements in terms of quantity and quality of petroleum products using indigenous and local technology in Bayelsa state of Nigeria. To achieve its objective, the study adopted survey method and primary data was solicited from respondents through questionnaires and personal interviews. Tables and logit regression were used in the data analysis. The findings revealed that there was increase in artisanal refineries productivity and improvement in the quality of petroleum products of petrol, kerosene, diesel, gas, and tar due to innovation. Personal interviews revealed that artisanal refiners used the traditional knowledge of gin distilling in the area to harness petroleum product that reduced the cost transportation in the state. Given the fact that the petroleum sector is a very crucial sector that drives other sectors, the study recommended that there is a dire need for an appropriate and desirable production policy that utilizes indigenous technology in the Nigerian local content policy in the petroleum value chain in Nigeria to propel development.