…facility operates without NMDPRA approval

Oredola Adeola

The Nigerian Association of LPG Marketers (NALPGAM) has revealed in its preliminary findings that the gas explosion in Bioku-Alaadun, Ona Ara LGA, Oyo State, on Friday, November 21, 2025, was linked to an illegal and unlicensed facility operating without authorization from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The Association added that beyond operating illegally, the facility owner was not a member of NALPGAM, as the plant failed to meet the regulatory requirements necessary for approval.

This clarification was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Executive Secretary, Mr. Bassey Essien, and Mrs. Damilola Owolabi-Osinusi, Publicity Secretary, made available to Advisors Reports on Tuesday.

According to the Association, the incident was particularly tragic as it led to fatalities and extensive property destruction, noting that the explosion occurred while a gas truck was discharging its content into the tank of the LPG skid plant.

NALPGAM further reiterated that the facility was an illegal operation, unlicensed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Bassey noted that following an on-the-spot visit by a cross section of NALPGAM’s Executive members and Technical team, it was confirmed that the facility was neither registered nor approved for operation by industry regulators, and was therefore operating without proper authorization.

He explained that membership of NALPGAM requires a company to be duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and licensed by the NMDPRA to operate LPG bottling plants, store, and sell LPG to retailers and consumers.

The Executive Secretary added that, according to the Association’s records, the facility involved in the incident had no affiliation with NALPGAM and was not a registered member.

Owolabi-Osinusi, the Association’s Publicity Secretary, explained that during the on-the-spot assessment conducted by NALPGAM’s technical team, it became clear that the incident underscored the urgent need for stricter compliance with safety standards.

She said the Association is calling for closer monitoring to ensure that LPG is delivered only to approved facilities and discharged under safe conditions.

Owolabi-Osinusi, who expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims, the Government, and the people of Oyo State, noted that the fatalities, including the facility owner, were particularly painful for the Association.

She also commended the swift response of emergency agencies and the efforts of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in conducting immediate assessments at the scene.

She  stressed that given the volatile nature of LPG, NALPGAM places high priority on safety for operators and the public, and therefore strongly condemns the siting and operation of unapproved gas facilities.

Owolabi-Osinusi further added that the Association is committed to working with the NMDPRA to eliminate unregistered operators from the sector.

The Publicity Secretary further noted that NALPGAM awaits the outcome of the NMDPRA investigation, which he said would help guide industry practices.

She reiterated the need for strict safety adherence to maintain public confidence in LPG usage, especially at a time when the government is encouraging wider adoption of the product.