SON in conjuction with Cyber 1 Systems Network International Limited Embarks on General Sensitization on Expiration of Cooking Gas Cylinders and Side Effects.

The Nigerian LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) market is said to have grown by about 1000% in the last 10myears and is arguably the fastest growing LPG market in the world. The consumption of LPG as cooking gas is reported to have grown by about 600% between 2016 and 2018. This rapid growth in the LPG market and its consumption as cooking gas has resulted in the increased incidence of LPG explosions, fires, and related accident. This raises concerns about safety the consumers and dealers and is particularly important considering the federal governments plan to deepen LPG use by heavily subsidizing the sale and distribution of LPG cylinders in peri-urban settings.

SON  (Standard Organisation of Nigeria) being the statutory body responsible for ensuring standards is expected to lead efforts aimed at ensuring both standards and safety of all stakeholders including dealers and end users. As a critical first step and a part of a more integrated strategy, the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) in conjunction with Cyber 1 Systems Network International Limited organized a One-day sensitization workshop in the North-central and Southwest geopolitical zones of the country.

The sensitization workshops were funded by SON and facilitated by Cyber 1 with support from state and regional coordinators of SON. The Workshop was aimed at sensitizing all relevant stakeholders including the general public on the Expiration of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Cylinders and its Effects.

The workshop educated participants on the benefits of LPG over other fossil fuels; the importance of adhering to stipulated standards, codes, and guidelines in the importation, manufacture, use, and handling of LPG cylinders and larger vessels. Participants were also enlightened on the safe handling of LPG cylinders and steps to take when faced with an expired or faulty cylinder.

The southwest (SW) sensitization workshop was held in Osogbo, Osun state. Which included participants from Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states.

The North-central (NC) sensitization which was held in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja which included participants from six states; Benue, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and the FCT.

The workshops afforded participants the opportunity to interact and contribute to SON operations and government policies as it relates to them. The participants made the following key recommendations to SON:

• The federal government should introduce and implement a buy-back policy where they encourage consumers to exchange old cylinders for new ones at a discounted rate.
• SON should launch a mass media campaign and regular sensitization that includes roadshows and visit remote and informal settings.
• Routine and impromptu monitoring and inspection of LPG retail outlets and homes.
• Strict regulations on import and enforcement of standards.

The sensitization workshops provided insights that were both relevant and valuable to all stakeholders. SON had the opportunity to gather the information that would aid it’s operations and informs its policies.

The sensitization workshops ended with every participant equipped with information that would promote safe handling and use of LPG and LPG cylinders and bottles and minimize the incidence of LPG cylinder explosions and related accidents.