Baruwa gas plant operating without licence — DPR …Tightens requirements for setting up gas plants By Michael Eboh The Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, Sunday released guidelines for the establishment and operations of downstream gas facilities across the country, stating that companies seeking to establish gas-dispensing facilities would be required to obtain three approvals and licences, among others, before commencing operations.
This is coming days after the gas explosion at Baruwa, Ipaja, Lagos, which claimed several lives and destroyed over 20 properties. In a statement in Abuja, Director of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Sarki Auwalu, disclosed that the DPR had commenced investigation into the unfortunate incident, why he also commiserated with victims of the explosion. He informed that preliminary reports from DPR investigations, revealed that the facility was operating without licence and was carrying out illegal operations which resulted in the unfortunate incident.
He promised that the DPR would continue to update the public on the progress of its ongoing investigation into the incident while assuring that the department will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure safe operations of all oil and gas facilities in Nigeria.
On the guidelines for establishment and operations of downstream gas facilities, the chief executive of the DPR said it stipulates the minimum requirements, procedures and conditions to be fulfilled before the grant of approvals or licences for the construction, installation, modification, takeover, relocation and operations of downstream gas facilities in Nigeria.
