The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says it will not rest until it clamps down on all illegal Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) operators in the midstream and downstream sector of the oil industry.

Zonal Operations Controller of NMDPRA, Roselyn Wilkie, disclosed on Monday while reacting to the fire incident from a kerosene explosion in Kubwa, Abuja.

Mrs Wilkie explained that the agency’s Preliminary Accident Investigation Report on the kerosene tank explosion had revealed that it was a result of an electronic spark from a nearby transformer.

She said from the NMDPRA’s investigation, conducted on November 7. The electronic spark was transmitted through a wire that traversed the surface tank containing the DPK.

“It was also discovered that the DPK surface tank owner was operating illegally, as there is no record from the NMDPRA. The agency will not rest on its laurels to clamp down on all illegal operators in the midstream and downstream,” the controller said.

The popular Kubwa village market (Maitama Ultra Modern Market) was gutted by fire on November 5 due to a kerosene explosion, claiming several lives and destroying properties worth millions of naira.

Based on the NMDPRA’s investigation, nine persons died, and 12 were injured.

During her visit to the explosion scene, the FCT Minister of State, Ramatu Aliyu, urged FCT residents to report illegal distributors of fuel and gas in undesignated areas to the appropriate authorities.

(NAN)