The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has taken decisive action to enhance safety standards within the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) sector in Delta State. Over a two-week period, the NMDPRA sealed 19 illegal LPG outlets, specifically targeting Category D operators, who refill gas cylinders for customers at their premises. The sealed outlets were located in Orerokpe, Ogwashi-Ukwu, Warri, and surrounding areas. The closures stem from a range of violations, including operating without requisite approvals and conducting business in unsafe locations, thereby posing significant risks to public safety.
The NMDPRA’s enforcement drive underscores its commitment to ensuring that LPG operations adhere to safety regulations, minimizing the potential for accidents and safeguarding lives and property. Among the identified violations, a prominent concern is the practice of “decanting,” the transfer of gas from one cylinder to another. This unsafe practice, strictly prohibited by the NMDPRA, is often carried out by unauthorized operators without regard for safety protocols. The correct and approved procedure is the “bottle swap” method, where customers exchange empty cylinders for filled ones at authorized facilities, ensuring proper handling and minimizing the risk of leaks or explosions.
One particularly egregious case involved a five-metric-tonne refilling plant located in Ogwashi-Ukwu. This facility was situated precariously close to high-tension cables and on a right of way, demonstrating a flagrant disregard for safety regulations. The NMDPRA promptly sealed the plant and issued a relocation order. This incident highlights the importance of strict adherence to safety guidelines and the NMDPRA’s proactive approach to eliminating hazardous operations. The proactive identification and closure of such hazardous locations is crucial to preventing potential disasters and ensuring the safety of communities.
The NMDPRA emphasizes that the enforcement action is not meant to stifle small-scale gas businesses but rather to promote responsible operations within a safe and secure environment. The authority recognizes the importance of these businesses to the local economy and aims to guide them towards compliance, not penalize them unnecessarily. Instead, the goal is to educate operators about safe practices, ensuring that they contribute to the economy without endangering themselves or the public.
Public awareness plays a critical role in the NMDPRA’s safety campaign. The authority appeals to landlords to exercise caution when leasing properties to Category D LPG operators, urging them to verify the legitimacy of the business and ensure adherence to safety regulations. This collaborative approach, engaging landlords in the effort to identify and prevent illegal operations, is essential to creating a safer environment for everyone. Furthermore, the NMDPRA encourages the public to report any suspicious gas transfer activities to the authority for immediate action, emphasizing a shared responsibility in maintaining community safety.
Beyond enforcement, the NMDPRA actively promotes safety awareness through various channels. The authority conducts annual stakeholder engagement meetings with gas plant owners and Category D operators, providing a platform for dialogue, information sharing, and the dissemination of best practices. These meetings also serve as a forum for addressing operators’ concerns and fostering a collaborative approach to safety regulation.
In addition to these meetings, the NMDPRA utilizes public awareness campaigns on radio and television to educate the public about the safe handling of cooking gas, emphasizing its volatile nature and the potential dangers of improper use. These campaigns provide practical tips and guidance on safe storage, handling, and usage of LPG, empowering citizens to take responsibility for their safety and that of their communities.
Furthermore, the NMDPRA provides regular training and certification programs for LPG operators, ensuring they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to handle and distribute cooking gas safely. These programs cover topics such as safe handling procedures, emergency response protocols, and the importance of regular equipment maintenance.
The NMDPRA’s multi-pronged approach, combining enforcement with education and stakeholder engagement, demonstrates its dedication to creating a safer LPG sector in Delta State. By working collaboratively with operators, landlords, and the public, the authority aims to minimize risks, prevent accidents, and ensure that the benefits of LPG are enjoyed without compromising safety. This holistic strategy is crucial for fostering a culture of safety and responsibility within the industry, ultimately protecting lives and property.
The NMDPRA acknowledges the support of its Chief Executive, Ahmed Farouk, in enabling the regulatory operations in Delta State. This sustained commitment from the top leadership ensures the authority has the resources and backing necessary to carry out its mandate effectively. With continued vigilance, robust enforcement, and sustained public awareness campaigns, the NMDPRA aims to create a safe and sustainable LPG sector in Delta State, serving as a model for other regions in Nigeria. The authority is dedicated to its mission of safeguarding lives and property, ensuring that the use of LPG remains a benefit, not a hazard, to the community. Through its unwavering efforts, the NMDPRA is working to build a safer future for all stakeholders in the LPG sector.
