The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Ogun has called on oil and gas marketers to take proactive measures against anticipated flooding to safeguard lives and investments.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, recently released a flood alert, warning residents of an impending flood due to the rise in the Ogun River resulting from the release of water from Oyan Dam.
According to Oresanya, the increase in the waterflow would inevitably force the release of water from the dam which would ultimately affect some areas in Ogun.
The State Coordinator of NMDPRA, Dr. Akinyemi Atilola told marketers at a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday in Abeokuta, that the annual release of water from the dams in the northern parts of the country often result in flooding.
Atilola noted that these downstream flooding affects communities in the southwest, including Ogun state.
He listed about 15 flood-prone areas in the state to include Alagbole, Makogi, Isheri, Magboro, Akute, Orimerunmu, Iro, Kajola, Lafenwa, Enugada, Adedotun, Iberekodo, Akin-Olugbade, and Ago-Odo.
He said that the meeting aimed to sensitise stakeholders on the need to protect petroleum installations and prevent product spillages that could endanger lives, damage the environment, and disrupt energy distribution.
“One of our mandates as an authority is to ensure the steady flow of petroleum products nationwide.
“We must therefore work together to mitigate the impact of possible flooding on our facilities and investments.
“Coming together is to make sure that our investments are safe; to bring more ideas and to mitigate the impact and effect of the potential backlash of the flood,” he said
He emphasised that while dam overflows are natural and unavoidable, their effects could be reduced through proper preventive actions such as securing facilities, preventing spillages, and ensuring quick response mechanisms.
In his presentation titled “Flood Alert: Petroleum Facilities Prioritised for Protection”, Engr. Chibuzo Akubueze highlighted the rising flood risks caused by heavy rainfall, river overflow, and upstream dam releases.
Akubueze, Head, Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC), NMDPRA Abeokuta, said the meeting provided a timely platform to assess risks, align response strategies, and develop contingency plans aimed at safeguarding lives, properties, and petroleum infrastructure.
He outlined the impacts of flooding on petroleum operations to include damage to pumps, tanks, and logistics routes, contamination of fuel and groundwater, and increased risks of fire and explosion among others.
Akubueze stressed the need for regular drainage maintenance, elevated electrical installations, relocation of fuel trucks, and emergency response teams to mitigate these challenges.
He also urged petroleum facility executives and associations like IPMAN, MOMAN, PTD, and NALPGAM to coordinate response strategies, collaborate with relevant agencies, and promote safety and insurance awareness among their members.
Akubueze further called on stakeholders to take preventive action immediately, stressing that “prevention is cheaper than repair”.
“Let’s protect our environment, our investments, and ensure uninterrupted energy supply. Safety is not expensive, it’s priceless,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of other stakeholders, Mr Sodiq Mahmud, former Secretary of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria(IPMAN) Ogun Chapter, commended NMDPRA for organising the stakeholders meeting, saying the meeting was necessary and informative.
“This shows that NMDPRA is interested and committed to the prosperity of our business not just concerned about revenue.
“All what we have learnt here and all the mitigating measures discussed will definitely be taken back home to our members for necessary precaution and action,” he said
NAN reports that a communique was issued at the end of the meeting and agreed by all stakeholders present and was read by Mr Olufemi Adebowale, Head of Distribution System , Storage and Retailing Infrastructure, NMDPRA.
Some recommendations in the communique include formation of flood response team in various flood prone areas with necessary equipment and training, enhanced communication channel and operational downtime during flooding.
“Setting up communication channel between the public, the stakeholders and regulators.
“There will be a time-out for operation during the period of flooding. All tanks should be strapped and all stations affected by the flood must come back to NMDPRA for recommission before they start working again,” he said.
