…demands gas companies invest in more pipelines to deliver gas to end users
Oredola Adeola
The Federal Government has revealed the plan to improve the reliability of gas delivery to reduce the logistical challenges associated with truck-based transportation, including the deterioration of roads, the potential for accidents that endanger lives, and the damage to properties along the transportation routes.
Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), made this known on Wednesday, in a statement by Louis Ibah, his spokesman and obtained by Advisors Reports, on the sideline of the Minister’s visit to the site of the gas explosion at Ita Oshin in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
According to the Minister, the Midstream and Downstream regulator will be made to issue distribution licences to oil and gas companies to ensure that licensed distributors invest in the installation of pipelines to deliver gas directly to end users, instead of trucking the products with collateral damages to roads, lives and properties.
Advisors Reports gathered that on Saturday, a GasCo Marine truck conveying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) experienced brake failure at the Ita Oshin junction, a few metres from the roundabout in Abeokuta, crashed into the road barricade, and the truck head went up in flames, leading to the loss of life and destruction of property.
The Minister during the tour, commiserated with families affected by the tragedy and Gasco Marine Ltd, owners of the gas truck.
Ekpo said going forward, rather than trucking to end users, the regulators will emphasize issuance of distribution licences that will ensure that licensed distributors invest in the installation of pipelines to deliver gas directly to end users.
He said the shift from trucking to pipeline transportation would not only enhance safety but improve efficiency and reliability in delivering gas to consumers.
He also commended the swift response of fire service personnel, and first responders, in the aftermath of the gas explosion even as he reiterated his commitment to grow the gas space.
“As the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), I am committed to growing the gas space, but however I can assure you that every effort is being made to prevent such accidents as this one from occurring in the future,” he said.
The Gas Minister highlighted the imperative to halt virtual gas transportation, affirming the Federal Government’s commitment to accelerating the construction of pipelines for efficient CNG transportation.
He also restated the commitment of the Federal Government to speed up actions concerning the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano pipeline, to reduce the risks associated with virtual gas transport.
He also emphasized the need for gas companies to demonstrate competence in piping gas directly to end users to avert potential hazards.
The Minister reiterated the benefits of CNG over petrol, urging Nigerians to embrace this safer alternative for energy needs.
Engr. Farouk Ahmed, NMDPRA Chief Executive, in his remark confirmed the regulator’s collaboration with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to prevent future road explosions.
The ACE emphasized that certain accidents are linked to the condition of vehicles, highlighting the importance of vehicle roadworthiness.
He therefore emphasised the implementation of training initiatives for truck drivers to enhance road safety.
