NMDPRA begins clampdown on illegal LPG retail outlets in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Resources Authority, NMDPRA, has begun a clampdown on illegal LPG retail outlets in Akwa Ibom State.

State Coordinator of NMDPRA, Ikechukwu Eseka, disclosed this when he hosted the state commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps Bakshar Hussaini, in his office on a courtesy visit on Thursday.

“We have started enforcement of LPG retailers embarking on illegal decanting of LPG, filling stations, LPG refilling plants, and other illegal downstream operations in the state.

“We are currently working on the illegal proliferation of decanting of LPG in the state,” Eseka stated, adding that gas is very volatile, some of them are using gas that is not meant for the purpose.

He disclosed further that he has directed that gas plant owners should not load gas on people who don’t have licenses from NMDPRA in the state, warning that decanting gas from cylinder to cylinder is an illegal activity that is punishable by law.

Eseka also called on marketers to register and 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 using diesel for industrial purposes that are yet to register with NMDPRA.

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“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 added.

Eseka thanked the Commandant for coming to re-strategize and collaborate with the Authority in the state.

Earlier, the State Commandant of NSCDC, Hussaini, explained that 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 said.

He lamented that some people used their houses to sell cooking gas which can cause environmental hazards to the public.