Dare Babalola
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has intensified its enforcement drive against unsafe practices in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector.
NMDPRA warned retailers in Ogun State that violations of safety standards will attract strict penalties, including shutdowns.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abeokuta on Wednesday, the agency’s state coordinator, Akinyemi Atilola, said the authority is shifting focus from advocacy to enforcement as part of efforts to safeguard lives and property.
He revealed that several gas outlets had already been sealed in the past year for failing to comply with approved operational procedures, stressing that the regulator would not hesitate to take similar action against erring operators going forward.
Atilola expressed concern over the widespread practice of decanting—transferring gas from one cylinder to another—describing it as a major safety risk responsible for leaks, overfilled cylinders, and potential explosions.
He noted that LPG retail operations are designed to function under a cylinder exchange model, where consumers swap empty cylinders for pre-filled ones, rather than refilling them on-site.
While acknowledging the importance of LPG retailers in expanding domestic gas usage across the country, he stressed that growth must not come at the expense of public safety. According to him, adherence to standard procedures and global best practices remains non-negotiable.
The engagement, themed around hazards in Category D gas operations, also served as a platform for industry players to align on safety priorities. Participants agreed to strengthen internal monitoring within the sector and promote continuous training for operators.
Leaders of key industry groups, including the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and the Nigeria Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers, called for deeper collaboration with regulators to improve compliance and awareness.
A communiqué issued after the meeting emphasised the need to uphold cylinder safety, eliminate overfilling, and discourage hazardous practices, warning that defaulters would face sanctions as enforcement efforts intensify.
