Nigeria Customs debunks allegation of toxic waste importation
The Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) has faulted claims over imported toxic waste in Koko, Warri North local government area, Delta state.
Custom Area Controller, Edo/ Delta, Oni Egboma disclosed this to newsmen while on the spot assessment of the dump site of Ebenco Globla link, petroleum products waste management company.
The unscheduled visit by the controller of custom in company of the state Commissioner for Environment was prompted by wide spread rumor accusing the company of not only importing but dumping toxic waste in the community, thirty years after eight thousand drums of toxic were dumped in the locality by unidentified foreign company.
On the toxicity or otherwise of the petroleum waste product, Mr. Egboma, who noted that the command had earlier made preliminary investigation into the matter, said the toxicity or otherwise of the product can only be confirm via laboratory analysis.
“Well, there are no evidence of importation of any of these products, I have no evidence on ground on importation of any of these products. From what I have seen here, it is a residual that they have shown me, it is when I have a convincing evidence by the superior that these products are not from the indigenous Oil Companies before I will believe the allegation”
On his part, the State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Barrister John Obukohwo Nani who expressed satisfaction temporary based on the facial assessment of the product substance said the ministry had already taken sample of the waste for laboratory test.
” I’m satisfied as a lawyer and as a novice in the chemical components as it relate to the property of the material shown to me but I will not be satisfied until professionals tell me this is the position of things”
Also the Managing Director, Ebenco Global link, Ebenezer Akin Oluwagbemiga described the allegation of toxic dump as fake,unrealistic, adding that the company has a good cordial relationship with the host community since it assumed operations in the area fifteen years ago.
“I see this as a means of some unscrupulous element trying to hoodwink the government and unsuspecting members of the public to blackmail this company in order to extort money”
