NPA begins Onne Port channel clean up operations

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 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 complains 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.