The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has urged Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) station owners, dealers and operators to strictly comply with safety regulations and standard operating procedures to prevent accidents and safeguard lives and property.
The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, made the call during a fire safety training and seminar organised by the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association of Nigeria (LPGAR), NUPENG Anambra State Chapter, at the Old Post Office Complex in Amawbia, Awka.
Represented by the Head of Media and Tactical Operations, Superintendent of Corps (SC) Edwin Okadigbo, the commandant described LPG facilities as Critical National Infrastructure, warning that a single safety breach could result in loss of life, destruction of property and damage to national assets.
Speaking on the topic, “Safety and Security Measures for LPG Gas Stations in Line with NSCDC Core Mandates,” Okadigbo outlined the Corps’ responsibilities in protecting critical infrastructure, disaster management and maintaining public safety.
He urged operators to strengthen security around their facilities through perimeter fencing, 24-hour security surveillance, functional CCTV systems, strict access control, asset tagging and proper inventory management.
He also advised them to install and regularly service firefighting equipment, develop emergency evacuation plans, conduct quarterly safety drills, enforce “No Smoking” and “No Phone Use” zones, install gas leak detectors and ensure workers receive first aid training.
The NSCDC spokesperson further reminded operators to comply with setback requirements prescribed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), provide personal protective equipment for workers, store cylinders upright in well-ventilated areas and display clear safety signs at their facilities.
To curb unsafe practices, Okadigbo encouraged operators to adopt cylinder exchange systems by sourcing filled cylinders from major plants rather than engaging in illegal decanting.
He also called for closer collaboration between LPG operators and the Corps by profiling facilities with the nearest NSCDC divisional offices, sharing intelligence on suspicious activities and permitting routine inspections.
He warned against operating under high-tension power lines, illegal decanting and running LPG stations without the necessary permits and documentation.
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“Safety is not negotiable. By applying these measures, you will not only comply with government-approved guidelines but also protect lives, property and national assets while building public trust in your business,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of LPGAR NUPENG, Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Ngini Tem, said the seminar was organised to deepen operators’ understanding of regulatory requirements, improve awareness of operational hazards and promote best practices in safety, operational standards and environmental protection.
The training concluded with an interactive session during which participants sought clarification on safety procedures and regulatory compliance.
