According to a report released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), not less than 412 Nigerians have lost their lives between 2018 to 2023 in petroleum related fire incidents.
The report released during an engagement with stakeholders on HSE and Community Activities in Port Harcourt blamed majority of the fire incidents on petroleum retail outlets.
The report which was presented on behalf of the Agency by Chibuzor Chibuike of the HSE department said petroleum retail outlets recorded the highest numbers of fire incidences within the period under review.
He said for this year 2023, 80 lives were lost in petroleum related fire incident.
Chibuike stressed the need for operators to move away from making money to protecting lives.
He stressed the need for operators to imbibe regular maintenance of facilities while fire-fighting equipment be station in all facilities.
Chibuike also warned against use of cell phones at filling stations while regular training and retraining of staff on safety be carried out.
He also urged filling station owners to ensure restricted access to generator houses and other places that people do not need to go to.
Meanwhile, The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has called for a sound management of Health Safety and Environment (HSE) in the depots/jetties, retail outlets and transportation of petroleum products.
The Executive Director, Health Safety and Environment (HSE), Dr. Mustapha Lamorde said this in his address at the engagement forum.
Larmode said HSE should be managed from a business perspective and not for compliance purpose.
“This is to say that HSE related matters should be integrated into the management decision making process.”
The HSE ED whose address was read by Victor Onohodiase said the Agency will continue to engage stakeholders with the view to forestalling the dangers /risk posed by unwholesome practices and non compliance to statutory provision with respect to HSE in depots, jetties, retail outlets, gas plants and the transportation of petroleum products including gas.
He further declared the readiness of the Agency to recommence the Health Safety and Environment technical audits of which the outcome will be used in liaising with other Directorates in the issuance of various licenses.
According to him, the audit will evaluate the adequacy of the HSE requirements, competency and training of staff engaged by operators of the industry.
“This will no longer be business as usual, it is now safety first.
“The NMDPRA would ensure that the aspirations of the federal government by passing the PIA is achieved”, he said.

By: John Bibor