By AISHA GAMBO

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says it has licensed about 88 Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) plants and skids in Kaduna State.

Abdullahi Ibrahim, the team lead, LPG Plants NMDPRA, Kaduna office, said this on Tuesday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Ibrahim said that there were 44 licensed LPG plants within the state and environs which the authority ensured all safety precautions were taken before licensing the facilities.

He added that there were 44 skids among which 27 had already been licensed while the remaining 17 were waiting for Approval To Install (ATI).

“Skid is any gas you see selling in the fuel station which are five tonnes; you can’t sell more than five tonnes in a fuel station.

“Skid is allowed only where there is a fuel station with enough space and distance. We check if the space will accommodate the intended purpose.

“From there, we guide and the skids will be installed, all safety requirements will be put in place then all necessary documents will be submitted to enable processing of licence,” Ibrahim said.

He said that there were no illegal LPG outlets in the state, while there were few dormant LPG plants which had stopped business due to unavailability of funds among other reasons.

According to Ibrahim, 12 companies are in the process of getting a Site Suitability Approval (SSA) while eight gas plants were given Approval to Construct (ATC).

“In order to apply for the ATC, an investor must follow a process by visiting Kaduna State authorities and get the requirements that would enable NMDPRA give them the ATC.

“Such requirements include police report from any police station around that vicinity, fire report from fire authority indicating the suitability of the place for the purpose.

“Then, go to the lands authorities where an approved building plan and permission will be granted with a titled document carrying LPG plant,” he said.

The team lead said that licensing of facility is done for a period of two years while a licence expires on Dec. 31 of the second year.

He said LPG plant owners are supposed to renew their licenses before the deadline and officials would visit the site for re-examination before renewal.

Ibrahim decried the low rate of LPG plants and skids in the state, adding that government should encourage people to invest in LPG so as to boost the economy. (NAN)

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