…As DPR begins clampdown on illegal dealers
Kunle Kalejaye
30 November 2016, Sweetcrude, Lagos — Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers, LPGAR, Branch of NUPENG of the Lagos State Chapter has urged it members, to be more safety conscious in carrying out their business activities within the state.
Chairman of the Lagos Chapter, Mr. David Okenwa who stated this in a safety training workshop tagged LP Gas Retailing; the Safety Watch in Lagos said it is important for cooking gas retailers to be well informed with the latest safety tips that will enhance their business operation without hazardous effect on themselves, others and the environment.
Mr. Okenwa added the training which was done in collaboration with Crownbondis Global Resources Nigeria Ltd, a Health, Safety and Environment consultant is to certified trained LPG retailer dealers in Lagos.
“We want to make sure that every nook and cranny of Lagos state where cooking gas is sold, retailers must be well trained because our concern is the safety aspect of the business and the proliferation in the system now has made it possible for every Tom Dick n Harry to sell the product.
“Most dealers don’t know anything about safety, as a result, we’ve had several fire cases in Lagos that is why we have organised this workshop for our members to sensitise cooking gas retailers on safety measures for their business,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR during the workshop notified all LPGARnupeng members and non-registered gas retailers in Ogun and Lagos State that beginning from January 2017 the agency will commence a holistic implementation of laws regulating their business.
DPR Lagos Zonal officer, Gas, Mr. Ekitudo Williams said the agency will shutdown unlicensed LP Gas shops sequel to the information made available to LPGARnupeng leaders by DPR officials on 31th October, 2016.
“Unlicensed gas retailers are liable to (1) arrest, (2) prosecution, (3) closure of their gas shops or other retailing outlets and (4) other punitive action as considered appropriate by DPR,” he said.
He explained that DPR has exercised patience for years while appealing to retailers to comply adding that LPGARnupeng has for years encouraged its members to apply for license using its mechanism but many refused to comply.
“LPGAR can no longer protect any retailer who refuses to abide by the rules and regulations governing cooking gas retailing business as set by DPR.
“You are expected to have one-shop-one license as a matter of urgency to observe and put in place (1) license (2) two fire extinguishers liquid and powder of at least 5kg each, (3) bucket of sharp sand, (4) well ventilated shop, distance from fire sources, display of appropriate warning signs and emergency number, LP Gas training certificate or the sector’s valid seminar certificate,” he stated.
LPGARnupeng National Chairman, Mr. Chika Michael Umudu said the association is willing with Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON to tackle substandard cooking gas cylinders in the market.
Nigerian Civil Defence Corp, Lagos State Fire Service, Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI thanked the leadership of LPGARnupeng for the safety workshop and urged cooking gas retailers to abide by safety rules and regulations.