Regulator Shuts Down 19 Illegal Gas Outlets in Delta State
Nigeria’s Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has sealed 19 illegal Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Category D cooking gas outlets in Delta State, citing concerns over safety and non-compliance with regulations.
The NMDPRA Coordinator in Delta, Victor Ohwodiasa, disclosed the crackdown in Warri on Tuesday, confirming that 28 illegal gas sites had been identified in total, with ongoing assessments to determine which can be regularised.
“Some of these outlets were dangerously located, including one five-metric-tonne refilling plant built beneath high-tension cables in Ogwashi-Ukwu,” Ohwodiasa said. “Such facilities pose a grave risk to lives and property.”
Illegal Gas Decanting Poses Safety Risks
The regulator also took action against operators engaged in ‘decanting’—the practice of transferring gas from one cylinder to another, which is strictly prohibited due to its high risk of explosions.
“The correct method is bottle swapping, where customers exchange empty cylinders for pre-filled ones,” Ohwodiasa explained.
He urged landlords not to lease space to unlicensed LPG operators, warning that fire hazards linked to illegal gas refilling could be catastrophic.
“Imagine someone storing gas next to a welding workshop or near food vendors using open flames. A single leak could lead to disaster,” he warned.
Authorities Pledge Continued Enforcement
The NMDPRA vowed to sustain enforcement efforts across Delta State, with violators facing legal consequences. Operators who fail to relocate unsafe facilities will be referred to security agencies for prosecution.
Ohwodiasa called on the public to report suspected illegal gas outlets, adding that the regulator would continue stakeholder engagements and awareness campaigns to promote safety standards.
“The goal is not to frustrate small businesses but to ensure safe operations,” he said. “We must strike a balance between economic activity and public safety.”
He also thanked the Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Ahmed Farouk, for his continued support in tightening regulatory oversight across the sector.
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