By Dayo Omoogun
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has explained that the fire which engulfed its affiliate station on the Ogba – Ifako Road in Lagos emanated from an underground tank contrary
to the rumours being bandied about that it was caused by a truck that was discharging fuel at the station.
A statement signed by its Group General Manager (Public Affairs), Dr. Kennie Obateru quoted the Managing Director of the NNPC Retail Ltd, Sir Billy Okoye, as saying that preliminary information about the unfortunate fire accident at one of its affiliate stations in Lagos on Monday showed that the inferno emanated from an underground tank, adding however that the fire was swiftly extinguished without any mortality recorded.
He also quoted the Managing Director of the NNPC Retail Limited, a subsidiary of the corporation, Sir Billy Okoye, as saying that, as a policy, the Management of the company ensures that all stations under her watch maintain required safety standard in order to curtail incidences of fire outbreaks as well as other health and safety hazards.
While dismissing the insinuation that the fire was caused by a truck that was discharging petroleum products at the scene of the incident, Okoye added that NNPC Retail stations attendants are well briefed and trained on handling of trucks and products discharge procedures.
“In all our stations, safety is very important and we have our Health Safety teams that go round to ensure that these safety standards are adhered to strictly. These safety teams visit these stations routinely to educate and enlighten these affiliate station owners on the need for them to uphold safety procedures. Every station must hold fire drills every month and all staff of the stations are mandated to participate in these drills,” Sir Okoye said.
He sympathized with Taibod Petroleum Ltd., the affiliate company, over the unfortunate incident while thanking the Federal Fire Service, NNPC fire fighters from the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) and other well-meaning Nigerians that supported in putting out the fire.