By Joy Akinsanya
Stakeholders in the petroleum sector have been called upon to prioritise safety and avoid impatience as business activities increase towards the end of the year.
Dr Akinyemi Atilola, Ogun Coordinator, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Abeokuta Field Office, made the call during a stakeholders’ sensitisation programme in Abeokuta on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme is themed “Impatience in Petroleum Supply and Distribution Operations: Assessing the Risks and Dangers Ahead of the Festive Season”.
He noted that the end-of-year period was often characterised by heightened demand for petroleum products, long queues, increased commercial activities and pressure on operators.
“Each year, this period brings its peculiar challenges: the rush to meet delivery targets, pressure from customers, long queues, and in some cases, panic buying and unsafe storage.
“Unfortunately, these pressures sometimes lead to unsafe practices, accidents, product losses, and even loss of lives.
“Today’s engagement is, therefore, designed to sensitise and remind all stakeholders, marketers, tanker drivers, LPG dealers, depot operators, and security agencies of the need to exercise restraint, maintain discipline, and prioritise safety above profit or speed,” he said.
According to him, safety and compliance remain shared responsibilities, adding that the NMDPRA goal is to achieve 100 per cent compliance and zero accident rate across Ogun and beyond.
“We believe that collective vigilance and patience can make this season accident-free in Ogun State and beyond.
“Our key message is: let us slow down and act safely. Impatience can cost lives, the environment and investments,” he said.
NAN reports that Mr Chibuzo Akubueze, an engineer and Head, Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC), NMDPRA Abeokuta, delivered a presentation titled “Safety on Roads and Expressways”.
Akubueze identified human error as a major cause of tanker crashes, accounting for about 85 per cent of incidents.
He noted that other contributing factors include mechanical failures, overloading, poor road infrastructure, harsh weather conditions and non-compliance with safety regulations.
He stressed the need for continuous training, defensive driving, regular vehicle checks, strict monitoring to prevent drug use, and adequate rest for drivers as safety measures.
The safety expert, however, called for stronger collaboration among NMDPRA, FRSC, TRACE, IPMAN, PTD, MOMAN and other critical stakeholders to curb tanker-related incidents.
In his goodwill message, the Deputy Director, Ogun State Fire Service, Mr Adebambo Adesanya, advised the NMDPRA to organise training sessions for tanker drivers to enhance their emergency response capacity.
Adesanya urged drivers to equip their vehicles with functional fire extinguishers and prioritise carefulness, good health and concentration while on the road.
He appealed to tanker drivers to avoid excessive trips driven by the rush to make money during festive periods, warning that such practices compromise safety.
Also, Mr Abdullahi Bala, the Assistant Director of the Weights and Measures Department, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, encouraged stakeholders to stay vigilant and uphold road safety standards.
He urged them to “say something when they see something”, especially when they observe practices that violate oil and gas regulations or endanger public safety.
Mr Adebayo Badekale, a participant and Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Lagos Chapter, commended NMDPRA for the seminar.
He noted that it was crucial for improving safety in the petroleum business and that stakeholders had learnt valuable lessons and better understood their roles and areas of jurisdiction.
“All we have learnt here today would be taken back home to benefit other members,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Moses Solanke
