KEY POINTS
- NMDPRA met gas retailers in Abuja to enforce stricter safety and operational compliance.
- Talks covered calibration accuracy, storage testing, fire systems, licensing, and environmental safeguards.
- Regulators say stronger standards will reduce risks and protect consumers as LPG demand increases.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, has convened a stakeholders’ forum with gas retailers and operators aimed at strengthening safety standards and enforcing compliance across Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
The engagement, held at the Jabi Annex in Abuja, focused on reviewing operational procedures for filling stations and liquefied petroleum gas facilities. Officials said the initiative was designed to ensure operators comply fully with statutory regulations and safety requirements amid increasing nationwide demand for cooking gas.
According to North-Central regional coordinator Maijiddah Abdulkadir, strict adherence to regulatory provisions, infrastructure integrity, and Health, Safety, Security, and Environment protocols remains essential for operators. She emphasized that compliance is not optional but central to consumer protection and accident prevention.
Discussions covered key technical areas including pump calibration accuracy, LPG dispensing procedures, storage tank integrity testing, fire safety systems, environmental safeguards, and enforcement of operating licences. Regulators explained that consistent adherence to these standards is necessary to reduce operational risks and maintain public trust.
Industry Stakeholders Acknowledge Regulatory Efforts
Industry stakeholders, including marketers and station operators, acknowledged regulatory efforts but highlighted persistent challenges such as inspection delays, procedural bottlenecks, and limited access to technical training. They urged authorities to simplify compliance processes so businesses can meet requirements without operational disruptions.
The authority described the forum as a strategic platform for aligning operators with evolving post-reform rules while strengthening transparency and oversight across the retail value chain. It added that improved compliance will enhance system integrity, reduce incidents, and reinforce confidence in petroleum product distribution.
Officials noted that with cooking gas prices currently stable below $0.69 per 12.5kg cylinder, maintaining strict safety and quality standards is vital to ensuring households can access LPG safely as adoption continues to grow.
