Depot owners call on Buhari to reopen Waziri jetty shut by NPA

PETROLEUM depot owners under the auspices of the Products Depot Owners Association (PPDOA) have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene on the closure of the Waziri Jetty in Lagos which has been shut down by the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA.

In a press release signed by the Executive Secretary, PPDOA, Barr. (Mrs) Okere, on Wednesday, the group said the jetty closure has led to an obstruction on the ease of doing business in the sector.

During a media briefing with energy journalists in Lagos, the group said, “We are here to tell the good and hardworking people of Nigeria that the Port Manager Apapa Ports Complex, Lagos, Mrs Olufunmilayo Bolanle Olotu, has closed the Waziri Jetty in fragrant disobedience to a subsisting court injunction protecting our business from such debilitating and wanton action.

“The Ports Manager has taken up illegalities against this common user facility of the Waziri Jetty and should not interfere with our petroleum business by preventing use and/or access to the Waziri Jetty.”

The association further alleged that a portion of land that was earmarked for installation of a fire service point was leased out to one Leader Marketing for container business.

However, sources said disagreements and unfounded rumours from the leasing team led to the padlocking of the jetty.

According to the group, the action meant the Ports Manager has wielded extra powers to her office on rights to use the Jetty.

The release read in part: “Mrs Olotu’s actions in flouting the existing injunction and padlocking the jetty has interfered with our business; and the livelihood that the masses derive from it.

“Her actions directly prevent continuation of our petroleum business operations.”

The PPDOA said the incessant fire occurrence in the gas and energy sectors of the country would be worsened if the only portion reserved for fire prevention is denied them.

The group said their demands are premised on their role in the provision of petroleum products to the country.