LPG gas stationing: A looming danger, demands urgent action

POINTBLANK with Smart Emmanuel
09066642354

In recent years, we have witnessed a rapid rise in the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas. As more people shift from firewood, kerosene, and charcoal to cleaner energy sources, the demand for LPG continues to soar.

Yes, this development aligns with the global move toward cleaner energy and environmental sustainability, but it has also brought with it a dangerous and growing issue: the indiscriminate siting of gas plants within residential and commercial areas.

Across our nation, particularly in urban areas, gas refilling stations and mini depots are now springing up in proximity to homes, schools, markets, and business clusters. Many of these facilities operate without adhering to proper safety regulations or obtaining full approval from relevant authorities, or even if they obtain approval, does it mean the body in charge doesn’t have guidelines?

Seriously, this uncontrolled proliferation poses a grave risk to lives and property, and unless urgent steps are taken, Nigeria could face avoidable disasters of alarming magnitude.

LPG is highly flammable and, when mishandled, can turn deadly within seconds. A small gas leak, combined with an electrical spark or open flame, can trigger explosions capable of destroying entire buildings and claiming countless lives.

Several tragic incidents in parts of Abuja, Anambra State and most recently in Lagos a few weeks ago have already shown how devastating gas explosions can be.

The hazards extend beyond explosions. Chronic exposure to gas leaks can cause respiratory ailments, dizziness, and other health complications.

Yet, despite these dangers, it is common to see gas stations operating just a few meters away from people’s bedrooms or offices. In some cases, they are even situated beside petrol stations, creating a double risk that could result in catastrophic chain reactions if an accident occurs.

The negligence in enforcing safety standards is both alarming and unacceptable. It is a clear failure of responsibility on the part of operators and, to some extent, the regulatory agencies that are supposed to safeguard the public.

Nigeria’s regulatory framework for LPG handling and distribution is well defined on paper. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which replaced the former Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), is responsible for licensing and monitoring gas facilities.

Other agencies like the Federal Fire Service, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) are also expected to play complementary roles in ensuring compliance.

These agencies have established guidelines specifying that gas plants must be sited at least 50 meters away from residential buildings or other structures that could serve as ignition sources.

Operators are required to provide firefighting equipment, conduct safety drills, and employ trained personnel who can respond effectively to emergencies.

However, what exists in practice is a stark contrast to what is written in the law. Weak enforcement, corruption, and bureaucratic negligence have rendered many of these rules ineffective.

Some gas stations operate illegally or with forged documents, while others continue to function despite repeated safety violations. In several cases, local officials ignore these infractions, often influenced by personal or political interests.

Gas plant owners and investors must understand that the pursuit of profit should never come at the expense of human safety. Operating a gas plant is not merely a business venture; it is a public trust that comes with immense responsibility. Every operator must ensure their facilities are properly designed, equipped, and distanced from residential clusters.

Basic safety infrastructure, such as fire extinguishers, gas detectors, and emergency shut-off valves, should be mandatory. More importantly, your staff must be trained regularly on how to respond to gas leaks, fires, and other emergencies.

It is unacceptable that many attendants at gas plants do not even know how to use a fire extinguisher or detect early signs of leakage.

Government agencies must take the lead in enforcing stricter safety compliance. Regular inspections, license renewals based on safety audits, and immediate closure of illegal gas plants should become routine.

There should also be clear and enforceable zoning policies that restrict gas plant operations to designated industrial or non-residential areas.

Public awareness is equally important. Many people living near gas plants are unaware of the risks or how to respond in emergencies. National orientation campaigns should be launched to educate communities about gas safety, early warning signs of leaks, and proper emergency reporting procedures.

Community members also have a duty to speak up. If a gas station is being constructed too close to residential buildings, residents must report it to the appropriate authorities. Silence in the face of danger is complicity. Lives can only be protected when people speak up.

To safeguard lives and property, we must act decisively. A multi-agency task force should be established to map out all existing gas plants, assess their safety compliance, and shut down those that pose imminent danger.

The government should also invest in modern technology, such as detectors and digital monitoring systems, to enhance oversight.

Furthermore, environmental and safety education should be incorporated into licensing requirements. No gas plant should operate without proof that its staff have received certified training in safety management and firefighting procedures.

Sincerely, the rate at which gas stations are being sited indiscriminately in Nigeria is a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. The dangers are real, the evidence is visible, and the consequences could be devastating.

It is, therefore, imperative for the government, regulatory bodies, gas plant owners, and the public to act with urgency and responsibility.

Lives must come first before business interests. Proper regulation, strict compliance, and public awareness remain the best remedies.

Yagazie!