NMDPRA shuts 65 gas plants in Lagos

By Uthman Salami

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has that it had shut down 65 Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) plants in Lagos from January to October for various infractions.

Mr. Ayorinde Cardoso, Zonal Operations Controller, NMDPRA, Lagos made this known in an interview in Lagos.

Cardoso said the LPG (cooking gas) plants were shut down for non-compliance with NMDPRA Guidelines and International Safety Standards.

He said some of the plants were operating without valid approval or license from the Authority.

According to him, the move is to curb the occurrence of gas explosions and fire incidents in the state.

Cardoso said, “What we are doing apart from closing these plants is more engagements with people that want to go into such businesses.

“So, apart from going around and arresting the operators, we are coming up with proper public enlightenment for both investors and people that are living in that environment.

“People are afraid of such businesses around their environment now due to safety concerns but with public enlightenment, we will be able to get everything in the right perspective.”

He said the agency would continue to clamp down on such illegal plants while at the same time sensitizing the public on the need for safe usage and distribution of gas.