Calabar tank farm explosion, NEPZA begins investigation

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, NEPZA said it has commenced investigation into the petroleum products tank farm explosion at the Calabar Free Trade Zone as it vowed to prosecute any individual or organisation found culpable.

In a statement in Abuja, Managing Director of NEPZA, Mr. Emmanuel Jime, said the agency has resolved to use the ugly incident to develop a comprehensive template of human safety, environmental protection, compliance and enforcement, regular environmental impact assessments, enhanced monitoring and controls, among others. He disclosed that the committee set up to investigate the incident is about to conclude its assignment, adding that the report would be submitted any moment from now.

According to the statement, Jime made the disclosure while addressing staff on the preparedness and resolve of the new management to promote safety consciousness in the Free Zones across the country. He said such tragedy must not be allowed to reoccur, noting that not only was it a sad day for NEPZA, but equally a sad day for the people of Cross River state and Nigeria at large.

He said, “The death toll was 10, the day I visited the accident scene. However, I have been told it has now risen to 13. Anyone would be appalled at this preventable loss of human lives, but for some of us who hold human life particularly sacred, it’s a veritable complete nightmare.”

He emphasised that NEPZA was keen on getting to the root of the matter, and also bring the culprits to book, especially as resolving the mystery of the fire disaster was a duty the living owe the dead.  Continuing, Jime said, : “Even as our prayers go to the dead, our resolve is to leave no stone unturned in unravelling the mystery surrounding the fire. It is a duty we the living owe the dead. This is why we set up a high-powered and independent investigative panel, headed by the General Manager (Zones Operations).

“We must use this ugly incident to devise a comprehensive template of human safety, environmental protection, compliance and enforcement, regular environmental impact assessments, enhanced monitoring and controls etc. I am glad to announce to you that the committee is about rounding off its work, and the report would be submitted any moment from now.”