The House of Representatives ad hoc committee on the need to relocate tankfarms from residential areas in Ijegun and Kiri-kiri on Wednesday were at variance with the Nigerian Ports Authority on who approved tankfarms for Kirikiri, Ijegun and environs.
While the NPA represented by Arc.Yusuf Ahmed, General Manager, Land and Asset Administration said they had nothing to do with the approvals, the Rep. Sergius Ogun – headed House Committee insisted that the organisation in its submissions said they gave the contentious approvals.
According to Ahmed, because of the experience of tankfarms in Apapa, very few tankfarms were given approvals by NPA after 2008 as there was a restriction on such approvals.
The tankfarms in Kiri-kiri and Ijegun came up after then. He said: ” In my view, the problem came about because of lack of synergy between the planning authorities.
He said it would have been better if the Lagos authorities (who were absent) were available to explain how the tankfarms came about . we are very careful and we ensure all regulations are done,” he added.
He further said: “My response to those tankfarms at Ijegun and Kirikiri, those tankfarms are clearly not sitting on NPA land. If they were on NPA land, those tankfarms will probably not be there. We are very careful of people of people we allow to develop on NPA land.
” And we are aware, because of our experience in Apapa with tankfarms, the Federal Government had in 2008 directed that no further tankfarms be allowed/approved. After this directive, no further tankfarm was approved since 2008.
He said when there was a need to build a tankfarm in Lekki Free Trade Zone, NPA had to get a waiver from the Federal Government.
But a member of the Committee, Rep. Uko Nkole (PDP Abia) insisted that Ahmed was not correct.
“I don’t agree with you. From the documents you gave us, you gave approvals for Ijegun and Kirikiri. You’ve supplied us documents, so if you say you did not do it, the tenders come through NPA, and the channelisation, the water through they transport the vessels to the tank farms.
” All those vessels and what they’re carrying, you gave us all those information, and yet, you’re saying you did not approve?” He queried.
Yusuf further said that nothing has to do with NPA at “the starting point” and that building of the tankfarms and collection of necessary licences has nothing to do with the organisation.
He said its when everything has been concluded and a jetty built that is when NPA is involved because of the regulation of the 100 metres from the waters, “and that is where NPA comes in.” he said.
The chairman of the Committee, Rep. Sergious Ogun noted that there is lack of synergy between the Federal Ministry of Environment , Department of Petroleum Resources DPR and NPA and asked them all to bring all approvals of all tank farms before the Committee, while the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and the Fire Service is to avail the committee with Safety report of 2019 and 2020.
He revealed that the committee was embarking on oversight visits to tank farms in Lagos and Delta States and sent stern warning to CEO’s of Tank Farms to be physically present during the visit to their area with requisite documents
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