NPA warns community on danger of illegal bunkering

THE Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has called on Community Leaders to sensitize people on the dangers of oil bunkering to forestall future fire incidents along Calabar shoreline.

This came on the heels of the fire outbreak which occurred at a Tank Farm in the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Calabar killing many people and injuring several others.

Dr Sokonte Davies, Executive Director Marine and Operations said this at the end of his visit to the scene of recent fire incident in a tank farm at the Export Processing Zone (EPZ), Calabar.

Davies described the extent of the fire disaster as very shocking, adding that, it would have been avoided if people realized the danger posed by illegal oil bunkering.

‘’We plead with people, parents, husbands, wives and others to restrain their love ones from doing this illegal business, no matter the amount of money involved because when they die you cannot get them back’’.

‘’Community leaders should drum it into their peoples’ ears, unfortunately some of the community leader’s aid and abate these things’’.

“But we will continue to educate people on these dangerous activities, may be one day it will stop, ‘’ he said.

The director also advised people engaged in business within the EPZ to ensure that they engage the right people, adding that, there was evidence of criminal intents in the whole incident.

“I advise those doing business in this zone to engage the right people who would not compromise standards. Nigerian businessmen should learn to do their business in line with International best practices’’.

“This incident was actually avoidable; you can see that criminal intent was at the background of the whole thing’’.

“People trying to undue someone or some people trying to get rich quick by scooping fuel illegally, so it is quite unfortunate, ‘’ he said.

He gave the assurance that, as soon as investigation was concluded, those involved would be made to face the full weight of the law to serve as deterrent to others.’