NMDPRA begins clampdown on Illegal Operation of Cooking Gas in A’Ibom
Okon Bassey in Uyo
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Resources Authority (NMDPRA) has begun clampdown of illegal LPG retail outlets in Akwa Ibom State.
Ikechukwu Eseka, the coordinator of NMDPRA, stated this when the state Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) visited their office yesterday in Eket.
He said: “We have started enforcement of LPG retailers that embark on illegal decanting of LPG, filling stations, LPG Refilling plants and other downstream operations in the state.
“We are currently working on the illegal proliferation of decanting of LPG in the state; gas is very volatile, some of them are using gas that is not meant for the purpose.”
Eseka directed gas plants owners not to load gas for people who don’t have licenses of NMDPRA in the state stressing that decanting of gas from cylinder to cylinder is an illegal activity which is punishable.
He called on marketers to register/renew their licenses before operating LPG in the state.
“We used the opportunity to talk on the aspects of the downstream which has to do with our enforcement, sealing of filling stations and those who are using diesel for industrial purposes that are yet to register with NMDPRA.
“We have also commenced engagement with individuals and organisations using storage tanks that are over 500 litres, to come and register with the authority in the state,” he said.
Eseka thanked the commandant for coming to restrategise and collaborate with the Authority in the state.
Earlier, Mr. Bakshar Hussaini, state commandant of NSCDC, had said the purpose of the visit was to collaborate with NMDPRA on how to checkmate indiscriminate decanting of LPG in the state.
“I know with the present situation in the country, a lot of them are going to cry, and you have to use human face to handle their cases so that we don’t injure the government and the public themselves,” he stated.
He lamented that some people used their houses to sell cooking gas which can cause environmental hazard to the public.
