C’ttee recommends removal of illegal LPG stations in FCT
Ukpono Ukpong, Abuja
In a bid to forestall future occurrence of gas explosion in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Ministerial committee set up by the FCTA to probe the incident of gas explosion which claimed several lives in Lafia, Nasarawa state last year has called for the removal of all illegal LPG stations in the nation’s capital.
While submitting its report to the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, the Chairman of the committee who also doubles as the Director General of the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Abass Idriss, disclosed that many LPG outlets operating in the FCT do so without securing approval and requisite certifications from relevant authorities.
He also revealed that most LPG operators within petrol stations leverage on the license of those filling stations to conduct their businesses which he described as illegal.
In its recommendations, the Committee advocated for synergy and a close working relationship between the FCTA and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in terms of granting permits to ensure safety and compliance to the FCT Masterplan.
The Committee also recommended that LPG stations operating on road corridors within residential areas and densely populated areas should be removed by the Department of Development Control and any acclaimed approval by LPG operator or other inflammable materials should be subjected to verifications.
It was also recommended that FEMA and the FCT Fire Service should also conduct an equipment check of all formal gas stations to determine their adequacy and safety levels.
In his response after receiving the report Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa commended the Committee for a job well done, adding that the report will be studied with a view to putting to work its recommendations.
