Tank farms must remain in Apapa – Union

Mr Enoch Kanawa, Executive Secretary, Jetty Owners and Petroleum Tank Farm Owners Association of Nigeria, says it will be difficult to relocate tank farms from Apapa.

Kanawa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that recent calls by some Nigerians for relocation of tank farms were uncalled for.

According to him, globally, tank farms are located close to the ports because of their closeness to the sea.

“Besides, it is cost effective.

“Tank farm or tanker accident happens anywhere in the world and Nigeria’s case should not be different.

“The Jan. 7 incident in which a tanker laden with fuel fell at Olodi-Apapa did not occur inside a tank farm, but within the area.

“Accident can also happen when a tanker is discharging fuel in a filling station. Will anybody call for relocation of the filling station because of such a mishap,’’ Kanawa said.

He said that one or two occurrences were not enough to call for the relocation of tank farms because it cost billions of naira to build one.

Kanawa said that all stakeholders, including the Federal and State Governments should ensure that all the roads were safe.

NAN recalled that a tanker, laden with 33, 000 litres of fuel from a tank farm in Apapa, fell at Olodi-Apapa which caused a fire.

Scores of people were reportedly killed, while vehicles and properties, including a bank, were affected by the fire. (NAN)