Stop Issuing Licences For Importation Of Explosives

By ADEBIYI ADEDAPO, Abuja

The House of Representatives has advised the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to immediately stop issuing licenses for the importation of explosives.

This is just as the House urged security agencies to beef up security at the nation’s airports.

Chairman of the House Committee on Mines and Steel Development, Hon Micheal Enyong Okon stated this during an investigative hearing on the licensing and sales of explosive devices by chief executives of some oil servicing companies in Nigeria.

He said that the committee hearing was on general compliance of these companies to the permits, licensing, and sale of explosive devices to end-users in compliance with Explosives Act 2013.

Okon said that the companies were not complying to the extant laws.

The chairman who met with AOS Orwell limited and Halliburton Limited said they were flouting the laws and permits on their sale of explosives.

The committee said that the companies were importing more than authorised,  fearing that the explosives could get into the hands of terrorists who may use them against the country.

“With the prevailing security situation in our country, there is a need to ascertain the adherence of these companies to extant statutes

and regulations on explosives control vis-a-vis the administration and

utilization generally.

“It is important that we educate them on the need to ensure that the

administration and utilization of explosives are in accordance with

the Explosives Act of 1967 as contained in the laws of Nigeria.

“The permit is issued by the Ministry of Mines and Steel and the

end-users certificate is also issued by the office of the National

Security Adviser, NSA.

“The end-user certificate will also show the items you brought into

the country. You can have less of these products. It is not a problem

but when you have…