The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Anambra State Command has urged Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Station Owners, Dealers and Operators in Awka to adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) set by regulatory agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property.
Commandant Maku Olatunde, the NSCDC Anambra State Commandant gave the charge on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026 at the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers (LPGAR NUPENG) Anambra State Chapter Fire Safety Training/Seminar held at Old Post Office Complex, Amawbia, Awka.
Delivering a lecture titled “Safety and security measures for LPG gas stations in line with NSCDC core mandates” on behalf of the State Commandant, the Head of Media and Tactical Operations, SC. Okadigbo Edwin stated that LPG facilities are classified as Critical National Infrastructure due to the volatile nature of the product. He noted that a single incident can lead to loss of lives, destruction of property, and damage to national assets.
He outlined the Corps’ three key roles as they relate to LPG operations which include: Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Disaster Management and Mitigation, and Maintenance of Peace and Public Safety.
Okadigbo encouraged them to ensure that high safety standards are maintained in their operations in the interest of all stakeholders including operators and consumers.
He enjoined members of the association to adopt safety measures which include: strong perimeter fencing, 24/7 security coverage, functional CCTV, strict access control, regular asset tagging, and proper inventory.
He charged them to provide adequate and serviced firefighting equipment, develop emergency evacuation plans, conduct quarterly drills, enforce “No Smoking, No Phone Use” zones, install gas leak detectors, and train staff in first aid.
The NSCDC State Spokesperson urged operators to adhere to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) setback requirements, train staff on safe handling, store cylinders upright in well-ventilated cages, provide personal protective equipment, and display clear safety signages.
He tasked them to acquire cylinders of different capacities, fill them at major plants, and re-sell by exchange to discourage illegal decanting.
Okadigbo further stressed the need for collaboration, urging operators to ensure their facilities are profiled with the nearest NSCDC Divisional Office, share intelligence on suspicious activities, and allow periodic inspections. He warned against prohibited acts such as illegal decanting, operating under high tension wires and operating without adequate legal permit and documentation.
In his conclusion, he stated: “Safety is not negotiable. By applying these measures, you will not only be complying with government approved guidelines, but you will also be protecting lives, property, and national assets, while building public trust in your business and maximizing your profitability.”
In his speech, Comrade Ngini Tem, the LPGAR NUPENG Anambra State Chapter Chairman, said the training was organized to strengthen awareness of regulatory requirements guiding their operations, highlight inherent hazards associated with such activities, and promote best practices in safety, operational standards, and environmental protection.
The session ended with interactive questions and contributions from participants.
