DPR shuts 85 gas plants in Lagos for Illegal operations

Chinazor Megbolu    |   

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has sealed up  85 gas plants in Lagos for unlicensed operations.

The oil and gas industry regulator hinted the shutdown of 85 Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) plants from January 2020 to October 2020, was as a result of their engagements in illegal activities.

The Zonal Operations Controller, Lagos, DPR, Mr. Ayorinde Cardoso, told newsmen during a public sensitisation exercise organised by the DPR that this is coming at a time of several reported cases of explosions by gas plants during year 2020 in the State with several fatalities and destructions of properties.

“Some of them were said to have either been operating in residential areas or without approval,” he said.

He further explained that the move is geared towards reducing the regular occurrence of gas explosion in Lagos.

Cardoso, however, noted that the LPG plants were shut down for failure to comply with international safety standards as well as operating without approval or licence from the DPR.

He also stressed that the shutting down of the illegal plants will be a continuous exercise, adding the DPR will always sensitise the public on the importance of safe usage and distribution of gas.

‘’We are doing this sensitisation to tell the public that it is safe to use gas. It is an efficient and clean source of energy if used appropriately.

“We want to bring the gas sector to the citizens and deepen utilisation of LPG for job creation and national development, which is the aspiration of the Federal Government.

“We will be doing this exercise continuously in various parts of the state,’’ Cardoso said.