NPA Begins Clean-Up Operations of Onne Port Channels

By ZION Olalekan |

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has commenced the Onne port channel oil spill clean-up operations at the Federal Oceans Terminal (FOT) Onne, Rivers State.

According to a statement made available to newsmen by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communication, Alex Jatto, the project of water channel clean-up was the first to be executed by the Personnel of Environment Department of the Authority from both the Corporate Headquarters and the FOT.

Speaking on the sidelines of the clean-up, 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 to commence the water channel clean-up at the port.

She said that the Port Manager is aware of various complaints from terminal operators relating to oil pollution within the waters and was therefore excited with the new development in commencement of the water channel clean-up

She said by this effort that NPA is showing a duty of care, adding that vessel owners had been complaining over oil spill stains on their ships haul calling at Onne port.

He noted 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 .

In a brief tool box meeting at the premises of the Engineering Department FLT, Onne, Engr. I.S Abdulbaki, General Manager HSE, said the unit has come to Onne Port to clean up the water channels.

He said 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 empty into the water channels.

He said part of the activities to ensure a proper clean up at the port was to remove debris from the waters and use chemicals to clean the water to achieve improved water.

He said they will also embark on awareness campaign to raise the consciousness of the people on the need for clean waters, to sustain aquatic life and navigation.

Also speaking, the Assistant General Manager, Environment Khadija Sheidu -Shabi said that NPA has decided to carry out this oil spill clean up to improve the quality of the Port water channels,.

“As an authority, we are proud to show commitment to improving the navigational water channels within Onne Port”, Sheidu-Shabi stated.

On his part, Uchenna Chukwuemeka, Principal Manager, and Coordinator on scene, and the Commander of Onne Port channel clean-up operations said materials to be deployed for the exercise includes Bio-degradable materials(PRP), Remediation Products (PRP) and Pressure washers for removal of oil stains on the quay walls and the fenders.