The densely populated area dotted with some manufacturing firms sits in close proximity to the strategic industrial zone at A8papa, home to a galaxy of tank farms and the ports complex.
Against the background of a recent explosion that rocked the Ijora jetty of the NNPC, where four persons were reported dead, residents of the community suggested to the government to move the tank farms to places like Epe and Badagry despite the huge capitals that have been invested to erect the facilities.
They however alleged that the tank farms are not in the master plan of the state, noting that government has what it takes to transfer the facilities from its present location.
Mr. Godson Adekunle lamented that occupants living in areas like Ijora, Apapa, Ajegunle and Orile were worried about the establishment of more tank farms within the community.
According to him, there indications that more tanks may be built in the coming year, pointing out the need for the government to intervene in proffering lasting solutions on the proliferation of tank farms in the community.
“Government should note that the tank farms are vulnerable to explosion at anytime because accident is inevitable.
“I think it will be wise for government to find out ways where the facilities can relocated out of Apapa because prevention is better than cure.
“It is better for us to start the process now than when we experience something similar to that at NNPC jetty,” Adekunle told Business and Maritime West Africa
Ahmad Ibrahim, a contractor to one of the tank farms, argued that huge capital have been invested to construct the tank farms but called on the government to provide alternative measures to reduce the number of the facilities in Apapa.