The Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, has commenced the Onne Port Channel
oil spill cleanup at the Federal Oceans Terminal, FOT, Onne, Rivers
State.
The cleanup exercise is the first of such project being executed by
the personnel of environment Department of the agency.
Speaking on the sidelines of the kick-off of the clean-up project at
the premises at Federal Lighter Terminal, FLT, also in Onne, the
Acting Port Manager Mrs Barbara Ejemeh Nchey-Achukwu who represented
the Port Manager Alhassan Ismaila Abubakar, commended the wisdom of
the Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman for the approval for
the commencement of the water channel clean-up at the Port.
She said that the Port Manager is aware of various complains from
Terminal Operators relating to oil pollution within the waters and was
therefore excited with the new development in the commencement of the
water channel clean up.
She said by this effort that NPA is showing a duty of care. She said
that vessel owners had been complaining over oil spill stains on their
vessels hauls calling at Onne Port, noting that after the exercise
such complaints will be a thing of the past.
I know after this exercise, terminal operators will no longer complain
to Onne Port Management of stains on their anchored vessels”,
Nchey-Achukwu stated.
Speaking in similar vein, Engr. I.S Abdulbaki, General Manager Health
Safety Environment, HSE said that they could not ascertain the actual
cause of the oil spills at the Port, but suspected the activities of
oil bunkers and waste from communities that are emptied into the water
channels.
He said part of the activities they are doing is to remove debris from
the waters and use chemicals to clean the water to achieve improved
water.
He said they will also embark on an awareness campaign to raise the
consciousness of the people on the need for clean waters, to sustain
aquatic life and navigation.