The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has commenced cleaning up of oil spill at the Federal Oceans Terminal (FOT) in Onne Port.
The clean-up is being executed by the personnel of NPA’s environment department from both the corporate headquarters and the FOT.
Speaking during the kick-off of the exercise, Barbara Nchey-Achukwu, acting port manager, who represented Alhassan Abubakar, port manager, commended the wisdom of Hadiza Bala Usman, managing director of NPA, for granting approval for the commencement of the cleanup.
Nchey-Achukwu, who disclosed that prior to the clean-up , vessel owners whose vessels call at Onne Port, had been complaining of oil stains on their vessels hauls, expressed optimism that after the exercise, such complaints will be a thing of the past.
“I know that after this exercise, terminal operators and shipping companies will no longer complain to Onne Port management of stains on their anchored vessels,” Nchey-Achukwu said.
I.S Abdulbaki, general manager HSE, said he and his team have come to Onne Port to clean up the water channels.
According to him, it has become difficult to ascertain the actual cause of the oil spills at the Port, but there was suspicion that it was due to the activities of oil bunkers and waste from communities that are empted into the water.
“Apart of the clean-up, we are also removing debris from the waters and using chemicals to clean the water. We will also embark on awareness campaign to raise the consciousness of the people on the need for clean waters, and its role in sustaining aquatic life and vessel navigation,” he said.
Also speaking, Khadijat Sheidu-Shabi, assistant general manager, Environment said that NPA has decided to carry out this oil- spill clean up to improve the quality of the water channels.
“As an Authority, we are proud to show commitment to improving the navigational channels within Onne Port”, Sheidu-Shabi stated.
Uchenna Chukwuemeka, principal manager/and the Commander of Onne Port channel clean-up operations, listed materials to be deployed for the exercise to include bio-degradable materials, mediation products and pressure washers for removal of oil stains on the quay walls and fenders.
He said that the team will also be using scooping nets within the Onne water channels to remove floating debris, cans and cellophane bags within the Onne water channels.
Uzoamaka Anagor-Ewuzie
