The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps says it will collaborate with key stakeholders to curb illegal activities and promote operational safety in the oil and gas sector.

The partnership would involve the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers-Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association, and petroleum retailers, said Maku Olatunde, NSCDC commandant in Anambra, in a recent statement.

He spoke during a courtesy visit by the executive of NUPENG-LPGAR, Anambra chapter, led by Tochukwu Ngini, its chairman.

The statement said the collaboration was aimed at promoting safety and preventing unethical practices in gas storage, sales, and distribution. It reiterated the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenge posed by unregistered gas retailers in the state.

Mr Olatunde urged LPG retailers to prioritise safety measures and avoid practices that risk lives and property. He said agencies such as the NSCDC would not shy away from their responsibility to ensure sanity in the oil and gas sector.

Mr Ngini expressed concern over the circulation of substandard cylinders and the hazardous presence of high-propane LPG, which he said posed risks to both operators and consumers.

Mr Ngini pledged the union’s cooperation to promote safety and security in the sector.

He also frowned on the sharp practices of unregistered gas retailers operating outside the NUPENG regulatory framework, which posed risks to members of the public.

“We are here to solicit and perfect arrangements with the NSCDC in conducting joint enforcement operations against unregistered gas retailers. Also, we want to see and ensure maximum compliance with best practices, and protect the public,” he said.

(NAN)