The NMDPRA Is Advocating For A Higher Use Of Gas In The South East Region.

During a ‘Stakeholders Engagement on Gas Utilization in Nigeria’ held at the Carlton Swiss Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu, the management of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) encouraged residents of South East Nigeria to increase their use of gas for their homes and businesses. The Authority suggested the use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) as alternatives to Diesel or AGO. According to Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive of NMDPRA, the use of gas is both safe and cost-effective. He added that the engagement was aimed at creating awareness and fostering a culture of compliance with safety regulations among industry operators for the sake of safer and more sustainable facilities.

Engr. Ahmed also noted that the federal government is seeking to catalyse gas investments and promote domestic usage through various initiatives and policy frameworks, such as the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) and the Decade of Gas Programme (DOGP). The Petroleum Industry Act (2021) has also established a Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund within the Authority to stimulate gas investments. Despite the significant progress achieved, more collaborations and interventions are needed to improve domestic gas utilization.

Ogbugo Ukoha, the Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure at NMDPRA, used the engagement to encourage operators and businesses to take advantage of the opportunities in the gas value chain for sustainable growth. He urged Nigerians not to shy away from using gas and instead position their energy needs to embrace gas derivatives to hedge against future global uncertainties to Diesel supply. He also appealed to all petroleum handlers to fully comply with the provisions of the PIA and NMDPRA regulations to avoid strong regulatory enforcement that could adversely affect business operations.

Utuk Bassey, the Health and Safety Director, added that gas usage is safe and should not be feared or dreaded. In his goodwill message, he dispelled the notion that gas usage is risky, stating that it is quite safe and can be used without any fear. 

Source:- Vanguard News

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Oluwabukola Jimoh

Oluwabukola Jimoh is a dynamic academic writer and captivating energy blogger. She is able to delve into intricate subjects with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, crafting thought-provoking essays that engage and enlighten her readers.