The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said it has commenced the cleaning of oil spill at the Federal Oceans Terminal (FOT) in Onne Port.
NPA said the clean-up, which is the first of its type, is being executed by the personnel of its environment department from both the corporate headquarters and the FOT.
Speaking on the side-lines of the kick off of the clean-up project, acting Port Manager, Mrs. Barbara Nchey-Achukwu who represented the Port Manager Alhassan Abubakar, commended the wisdom of the Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman for granting approval for the commencement of the cleanup.
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.
She said 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 said.
In a brief tool box meeting at the premises of the Engineering Department, General Manager HSE, Engr. I.S Abdulbaki, said he and his team have come to Onne Port to ensure clean up of 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 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 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 Khadijat 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, the Principal Manager, and Coordinator on scene, and the Commander of Onne Port channel clean-up operations, Uchenna Chukwuemeka, said materials to be deployed for the exercise includes 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.