DPR Says Gas Station That Exploded In Lagos Was Not Licensed

– Rolls Out Guidelines For Operators Of Downstream Gas Facilities

The Department of Petroleum Resources has said that the Gas Station that exploded in Baruwa axis of Ipaja, Lagos, was not licensed to operate.

It said based on available reports from investigations, the facility was not licensed thereby carrying out illegal operations.

The Director of Petroleum Resources, Sarki Auwalu said this in a statement on Sunday.

No fewer than six persons lost their lives while many were injured from the explosion which occurred at a Gas plant along Fatade street at Baruwa area in Lagos State.

The DPR Boss promised that the agency would continue to update the public on the progress of its ongoing investigation into the incident.

He assured that the Department will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure safe operations of all oil and gas facilities in Nigeria.

He also said the DPR will be rolling out guidelines for operators in the gas downstream sector, stressing on promoting the baseline standard regarding health, safety and environment.

He said in the statement that companies intending to establish gas facilities must obtain applicable approvals from the government such as site suitability, installation; and licence to operate downstream gas facilities in Nigeria.

The statement said, “Necessary amenities and equipment’s like functional automated/manual leak tester, functional fire alarm system, and mounted gas detectors, adequate fire water storage and sprinklers, perimeter fence with fire wall amongst others must be provided in the facilities.”

Auwalu said that the objectives of the guidelines was to ensure that the baseline standard regarding health, safety and environment, was achieved and maintained in all the facilities, adding that further details can be accessed from www.dpr.gov.ng.

He explained that the guidelines cover both establishment and operations of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, cooking gas, refilling plants and retail outlets.

“Guidelines for establishment of auto gas refuelling stations and add-on gas facility; and guidelines for the establishment of gas storage and utilization,” he added.

According to him, the guidelines were developed to enhance gas penetration and utilization, enhance operational safety as well as ease of doing business in the oil and gas sector.