By Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
The Federal Government on Wednesday directed oil marketers who operate filling stations to either report incidents of fire outbreaks in their premises within 24 hours of occurrence or face sanctions.
The Federal Government through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) on Wednesday, directed oil marketers who operate filling stations to report incidents of fire outbreaks in their premises within 24 hours of occurrence or else, face sanctions.
On behalf of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) stressed that the sanctions will range from the suspension of operations through revocation of licenses to monetary fines.
This was revealed by Nsikak Bassey, who is NMDPRA’s Director of Health, Safety, Environment, and Community Department, during a meeting with the Retails Safety Team of NNPC Limited.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Authority, Bassey said that reports of such incidents must reach Farouk Ahmed, the Authority Chief Executive, within 48 hours.
He added that in an effort to prevent fire outbreaks in fuel stations across Nigeria, the Authority expects immediate reports of fire incidents to be lodged in their nearest offices within 24 hours and to the Chief Executive’s office within 48 hours.
Bassey further stated that the management of filling stations must not tamper with evidence after incidents and must strictly implement standard operating procedures for all operations like discharging and dispensing fuel, adding that adequate firefighting equipment must be provided for all facilities and staff enlisted for training.