On Wednesday, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulation Authority (NMDPRA) engaged stakeholders on safety measures in the oil distribution system to stem the rising fire outbreaks across the North-Western zone of the country.

The North-West acting coordinator of NMDPRA, Alhaji Shuaibu, said during a meeting with the stakeholders in Kaduna that the meeting was to discuss ways to improve the safety operations of retail outlets in the region.

Mr Shuaibu noted the increase in fire outbreaks downstream, especially with tanker drivers and filling stations, which was not good for the oil industry.

He also noted that areas of non-compliance to the safety measures and regulations were identified in the region, hence the need to unite, address, and improve compliance.

Mr Shuaibu added that the meeting with the stakeholders was to make them understand that obeying the law and securing their investment was both compulsory and very important.

Commenting on sanctions for non-compliance with the NMDPRA regulatory provisions, he noted that they sanctioned many offenders and would continue to do so to ensure industry sanity.

Mr Shuaibu, however, said the essence of the meeting was not about sanctions but to have an avenue for safe operations in the oil industry.

“There is no need for sanction when people are dying, what is paramount is safe operations, and we will enforce compliance to ensure accidents are prevented in the oil industry,” said Mr Shuaibu. “We don’t want profiteering in the oil industry to be core in decision making; we want safety first so that once they are making profits, they will ensure safety and no loss of life.”

He added, “It will tarnish their image and also ours when there are too much casualties in the industry. Image is key for us to protect, and we have a job by the Acts to ensure safe operations. We will continue to ensure safety compliance, and whoever violates the regulations will face sanctions; however, our priority for the meeting is to ensure safe operations.”

(NAN)