The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers – Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association (NUPENG-LPGAR) has expressed concern over circulation of substandard cylinders and hazardous presence of high-propane LPG, posing risks to both operators and consumers.
The Anambra State Chairman of NUPENG-LPGAR, Comrade Tochukwu Ngini stated this during a visit to the State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
He frowned at some sharp practices of unregistered gas retailers operating outside the NUPENG regulatory framework, whose operations endanger the lives of members of the public.
Ngini pledged the union’s cooperation to promote safety and security in the sector.
According to him, the visit was to explore collaboration with the NSCDC towards sanitizing the operations of players in the industry, as the NSCDC’s mandate align with theirs.
“We are here to solicit and perfect arrangements with the NSCDC in conducting joint enforcement operations against unregistered gas retailers, ensure compliance with best practices, and protect the public,” he said.
Responding, the State NSCDC Commandant, Maku Olatunde expressed the Command’s readiness to collaborate with the Union to promote safety and prevent unethical practices in gas storage, sales, and distribution.
He underscored the place of collaboration in addressing the growing concern of unregistered gas retailers in the state, preventing heightened fears of a potential disaster, which he noted, was a stark reminder of the dangers associated with poorly sited gas facilities.
Maku urged LPG retailers to prioritize safety measures and avoid practices that risk lives and property, highlighting the crucial role of regulatory agencies such as the NSCDC in the oil and gas sector.
