THE Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) is worried about the prolonged and continuous closure of Second Coming Gas plant by the Lagos State Government.
The Association according to the Executive Secretary, Mr Bassey Essien, is calling on the Executive Governor of the State, Mr
Akinwunmi Ambode, to intervene and order the agency/ministry involved to reopen the plant. He wondered the reason for the prolonged closure whether it is punitive on the owner and by extension on the association.
He noted that remarkable progress has been made in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) utilisation and consumption in the country over the years in that cooking gas which hitherto was usually associated with the elites is now being embraced by food vendors and low-income earners. He said the success recorded has been attributed to private investments by committed indigenous entrepreneurs to establish gas bottling plants across the country.
“Early in the year, a gas plant, Second Coming Gas plant, located in Magodo, Lagos State, experienced fire incidence with a casualty figure of two recorded deaths and damage to the plant. Investigation panel and inquest set up by the Lagos State Government and Federal Regulatory agencies respectively did not, however, indict the company for negligence as the company has always taken adequate measures to ensure safety at all times.
“At the conclusion of investigations, the company was granted approval to commence reconstruction and renovation of the burnt plant albeit with strict compliance on standards and further safety measures while each level of work has been monitored and approved by the relevant government-appointed panel/body.
“The management of the plant had complied with all standard safety requirements given to it and as at today; it ranks among the most safety compliant gas plant in the country. However, while awaiting the final inspection so as to be given the final nod to reopen for business, the place was unceremoniously locked by another agency/ministry in the same state and has remained locked for nine months now,” he said.
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