The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Ogun State has urged cooking gas retailers in the state to prioritise safety and avoid unwholesome practices capable of endangering lives and property.

The NMDPRA State Coordinator, Akinyemi Atilola, made the call on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop organised for liquified petroleum gas (LPG) retailers in Abeokuta.

The sensitisation workshop is with the theme, “Gas Deepening and Expansion: Hazards Associated with Decantation Business and Operations.”

Mr Atilola said that LPG retailers play a critical role in the federal government’s gas expansion and utilisation programme, noting that they serve as the last link between suppliers and end users.

According to him, operators in the sector must strictly adhere to safety regulations and global best practices while conducting their businesses.

Mr Atilola assured that the NMDPRA would continue to provide guidance and leadership to ensure sustainable growth in the gas sector.

He, however, warned that the authority would not hesitate to sanction operators found violating established safety standards.

Speaking on the theme, Mr Atilola stated that LPG retailers fall under “Category D” operations, which are designed for a “drop-and-pick cylinder” model.

He noted that the approved model requires customers to drop their empty cylinders and collect already filled ones.

The coordinator expressed concern that many operators had instead adopted the practice of “decanting,”which involved transferring gas from one cylinder to another.

According to him, decanting is a dangerous practice that could lead to overfilling, gas leaks, severe fire outbreaks, and possible explosions.

He urged retailers to discontinue the practice and strictly follow approved operational procedures or risk having their outlets sealed.

Mr Atilola disclosed that about five gas outlets were sealed and penalised in 2025 for breaching safety and operational guidelines, while several others were issued warnings.

He warned that the authority would intensify monitoring to ensure full compliance with regulations.

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, Mr Atilola described the engagement as a continuation of the 2025 gas public sensitisation campaign aimed at promoting safe handling and expansion of LPG usage.

He said the workshop focused particularly on cylinder business operators who serve domestic consumers.

“We believe that while they are helping to deepen LPG utilisation, there must also be emphasis on the growth of the business and safety of the public, their businesses and home users. That is why we organised this engagement,” he said.

He reiterated that the NMDPRA, as the regulatory body for the midstream and downstream oil and gas sector, remains committed to supporting the federal government’s gas expansion drive under the Decade of Gas initiative.

Also speaking, chairman of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in Ogun State, Ogunkoya Abiodun, commended the NMDPRA for its support for the development of the gas industry.

Similarly, chairman of the Nigeria Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers in the state, Raifu Oyedele, called for sustained collaboration with the regulatory authority, particularly in the areas of training and sensitisation of operators.

A 10-point communique was issued at the end of the engagement, emphasising the need for self-regulation among LPG stakeholders.

It also tasked gas unions with organising regular training and safety retreats for their members.

The communiqué further urged operators to ensure proper scrutiny of cylinder integrity, avoid overfilling, and maintain continuous safety engagement with stakeholders.

Participants also agreed that decanting of LPG should be discouraged, adding that operators found engaging in the practice should be penalised.

(NAN)