By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
The Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prince Emmanuel Agbamduba has stated that the State Government was taking steps to ensure compliance to safety regulations so as to protect lives and properties from gas explosion.
Amgbaduba stated this today during a 1-Day sensitization program held at the Hotel Benizia, Asaba, organized by the State Ministry of Oil & Gas for operators of domestic gas and retail outlets in Delta State, with the theme “Towards Achieving Sustainable Safe Utilization of LPG In Delta State”.
The Oil & Gas Commissioner also gave the assurance that the State Government was poised to ensuring safety of operators of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) retailers in the State and the members of the public.
While declaring the workshop opened, Amgbaduba encouraged investors who are ready to establish industries in the LPG value chain to do so. Adding that the State Government was providing conducive atmosphere for that.
According to him “LPG is a clean, modern fuel that brings comfort to millions of consumers worldwide. Currently, the Federal Government is keying into the trend of deepening the use of LPG In the country”.
“This is attested to in the recent launch of the policy on LPG expansion program and commercialization of flared gas in the country by Mr. President”. He added.
The Oil & Gas Commissioner disclosed that the sensitization program entails expanding the use of LPG into other sectors other than the traditional use for cooking in homes. “It is therefore anticipated that LPG will be the prime driver in sectors such as Agriculture, Automobile, Manufacturing company amongst others”. He posited.
Amgbaduba also revealed that the State Government was already partnering with the Federal Government on the LPG Expansion and commercialization Programs. “This sensitization workshop is just one of such strategies to ensure safety in the sector”. He stated.
Presenting her address, the Permanent Secretary of Delta State Ministry of Oil & Gas, Mrs. G. A. Puegeren noted that the program was apt and timely as the issues of Domestic Gas Explosion had been of concern to well-meaning Nigerians and players in the industry. Saying this was against the backdrop of various incidence of gas explosion that has claimed lives and properties worth millions of Naira in the past.
“With the renewed Federal Government interest in expanding the utilization of LPG, coupled with many gas retail outlets springing up in various parts of the State, it becomes imperative for the Ministry of Oil & Gas to organize this workshop in order to draw the operators attention to the dangers associated with this particular business.” She stated While affirming the position of Amgbaduba.
In his lecture titled “The role of LPG Market in the Emerging Economy”, Mr. Emmanuel Nwandu highlighted weak regulation, fragmented market, poor data availability. While Mr Isaac Sunday of the Delta State Fire Service spoke on “LPG Retail Outlets:Red Flags and Safety Precautions”.
Taking his turn, another resource person Engr. Emmanuel Tobechukwu harped on government policies, regulatory guidelines and deepening LPG utilization in his lecture titled Government Policy on Gas and Domestic Gas :”Prospects and Challenges”.
While calling on the State Government to make the program and annual event, the participants in an interview commended the Ministry of Oil and Gas for organising the workshop saying it had enlightened and exposed them to regulatory guidelines, precautions and safety measures among others.
The program was attended by all stakeholders including representatives of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the Manager of Kia Kia Gas Nig. Ltd from Lagos, the State Fire Service amongst others and Certificate of Attendance were presented to participants.