Abeokuta: Stakeholders in the petroleum sector have been called upon to prioritize safety and exercise patience as business activities intensify towards the end of the year. Dr. Akinyemi Atilola, Ogun Coordinator of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Abeokuta Field Office, emphasized this need during a stakeholders’ sensitization program in Abeokuta.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the program was themed ‘Impatience in Petroleum Supply and Distribution Operations: Assessing the Risks and Dangers Ahead of the Festive Season’. Dr. Atilola highlighted the challenges faced during the end-of-year period, such as increased demand for petroleum products, long queues, and heightened pressure on operators. He pointed out that these pressures often lead to unsafe practices, accidents, and even loss of lives.
He stressed that the goal of NMDPRA is to achieve 100 percent compliance and a zero accident rate across Ogun and beyond. Dr. Atilola urged all stakeholders, including marketers, tanker drivers, LPG dealers, depot operators, and security agencies, to maintain discipline and prioritize safety.
NAN reports that Mr. Chibuzo Akubueze, an engineer and Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) at NMDPRA Abeokuta, delivered a presentation titled ‘Safety on Roads and Expressways’. He identified human error as a major cause of tanker crashes, accounting for about 85 percent of incidents, and stressed the importance of continuous training, defensive driving, and regular vehicle checks.
Furthermore, Mr. Adebambo Adesanya, Deputy Director of the Ogun State Fire Service, advised the NMDPRA to organize training sessions for tanker drivers to enhance their emergency response capacity. He emphasized the importance of functional fire extinguishers, carefulness, and concentration while driving.
Mr. Abdullahi Bala, Assistant Director of the Weights and Measures Department, encouraged stakeholders to remain vigilant and uphold road safety standards, urging them to report any practices that violate oil and gas regulations.
Mr. Adebayo Badekale, Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Lagos Chapter, commended the NMDPRA for the seminar, stating that it was crucial for improving safety in the petroleum business and that valuable lessons were learned. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)