Nov. 2, 2023

The Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola revealed that the State Government has set safety standards for retail gas operators in the State.

Mojola disclosed in his keynote address at a one-day training programme organised by the Agency in conjunction with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources for stakeholders and retail gas operators in Lagos State.

Speaking at the event held recently in Ikeja, the Director-General said the programme was organised to find a solution to the incessant gas explosions and fire incidences that often lead to loss of lives and properties across the metropolis.

According to him, “Everything is replaceable except for our lives as such it behoves us to do all that is necessary to protect and live our lives devoid of hazards”.

He maintained that all hands be on deck to avoid disasters, adding that fire incidents or explosions usually undermine the integrity, financial status and reputation of an organisation or body.

While urging participants to learn, unlearn, relearn and cascade knowledge impacted to colleagues in their various organisations, Mojola pointed out that explosions may occur when gases are adulterated, cylinders mishandled, or when industrial and cooking gases are used close to sources of ignition.

“Other causes are the proliferation of gas retail outlets as well as improper training of operators and users in the safe handling of gas”, he added.

The Director-General, therefore, appealed to all operators in the oil and gas sector to cooperate fully with Government operatives when they arrive at their facilities for official purposes, saying “We are convinced that at the end of this annual exercise, Lagos will become a safer place for all”.

Different papers were presented by different safety experts including the Director, Oil and Gas, Engr. Sesan Odukoya from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, who spoke on Cooking Gas penetration policy and regulations of retail business, among others.