Anambra State Govt, Stakeholders In Oil And Gas Sectors Brainstorm On Fire Safety Measures In Awka

As a result of the recent fire outbreak which damaged property worth millions of naira, around Onitsha, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Petroleum and Union Matters, Comrade Peter Nwosu has held a crucial meeting with the Petroleum Markers in Anambra State.

Correspondent Valentine Mbadugha reports that the meeting was attended by the leaders of all the groups involved in the oil and gas business in Anambra State including, the Petroleum Dealers Association, Independent Petroleum Marketers, Nigerian Association of Liquified Gas Marketers, among others.

The Fire Service, Civil Defence, Anambra State Physical Planning Board, and Awka Capital Territory Development Authority were all part of the meeting held at the Government House Awka.

Speaking during the event Comrade Nwosu who decried unpreparedness of most petrol and gas stations in the state with regards to fire outbreak harped on the need for dealers to equip their stations with adequate firefighting equipment and well-trained personnel for effective usage.

While emphasizing the commitment of the Obiano administration towards security of life and property Comrade Nwosu warned those selling adulterated kerosene in the state to desist from such as anyone caught will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The Chairman, Anambra State Physical Planning Board, Mr Chike Maduekwe, and the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, Venerable Amaechi Okwuosa in their separate remarks frowned at the attitude of some people who wants to invest in the oil and gas sector without obtaining the necessary permit.

The Director Anambra State Fire Service Mr Martin Agbili and the Officer In charge, Fire Risk Reduction, Anambra State Fire Service, Mr Smart Akpagu harped on the need for everyone to be fire safety conscious.

Some of the dealers including the Chairman Petroleum Dealers Association, Anambra state chapter, Chief Obi Okafor, his Nigerian Association of Liquified Gas Marketers counterpart, Mr Muomandu and the Independent Petroleum Marketers, Association representative, Mr Chibueze Umuugochukwu thanked the State government and fire service for being proactive in safeguarding the State and assured to always comply with the safety directives of the government and fire service.