The Marine Board of Inquiry that was set up by the Federal Ministry of Transport to look into MT Concep/Redfferm oil spillage incident at Tin Can Island, Lagos in 2009 has commenced sitting in Lagos.
Inaugurated by the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar on February 28, 2013 at Abuja, the Board has Chief Magistrate Nureni Kuranga as its president.
The Marine Board of Inquiry that was set up by the Federal Ministry of Transport to look into MT Concep/Redfferm oil spillage incident at Tin Can Island, Lagos in 2009 has commenced sitting in Lagos.
Inaugurated by the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar on February 28, 2013 at Abuja, the Board has Chief Magistrate Nureni Kuranga as its president.
In his inaugural speech at the commencement of sitting , Chief Magistrate Kuranga listed the board’s terms of reference to include; investigate the circumstances that led to the incident, authenticate the veracity of the incident as reported, ascertain the legal status of the MT Concep/Redferrm and its tonnage capacity, find out if MT Concept/Redferrm is covered by the relevant insurance policy as provided for by the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Funds convention, determine the legal beneficiaries of any compensation arising and make any other recommendation that the committee may deem appropriate.
He called on all stakeholders in the maritime sector to work with the Federal Government towards establishing a Marine Accident Investigation Bureau as this would ensure that investigation is carried out when evidence are still fresh and victims compensated without delay.
Chief Magistrate Kuranga assured the victims of the Oil spillage incident that the Board will leave no stone unturned towards making recommendations and suggestions that will assist the Federal Government in taking a position that will further assist the IOPC London at making a fair and just decision.
He appealed to members of the public, stakeholders, organisations and groups to come up with information and suggestions that could help the board in its assignment.
Officials of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) testified during the inaugural sitting.
Other members of the Board present at the sitting were; Captain Ganiyu Alimi, Engineer Abuja Kato, Barrister Abdullahi Duro, Mr. Dikko Bala and Mallam Nura Abdu as Secretary.
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