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The Standard Organisation
of Nigeria (SON) says it will prosecute importers, manufacturers and
distributors of substandard Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders and other
products as provided by law. The Director General (DG) SON, Osita Aboloma gave
the warning on Tuesday during a visit the scene of Gas explosion at Sabo Tasha,
Kaduna, in which six people lost their lives.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that
the DG was represented by Engr. Nwaoma Olujie, Group Head LPG at SON. NAN also
reports that Aboloma also paid condolence to Kaduna State Government over the
sad incident. “We are determined to ensure diligent prosecution of importers,
manufacturers and distributors of substandard LPG cylinders and other products
as provided in SON Act No. 14 of 2015,” he said. Aboloma said the management of
SON received the sad news of the gas explosion with deep sorrow, adding that
the organisation commiserate with families of the victims as well as the people
and government of Kaduna state. He explained that such avaidable explosion was
one too many, noting that, “If only the necessary safety measures and
precautions were put in place by the gas vendors, the disaster will not have
occurred. “It is necessary that we once again reiterate our recent warning to
dealers and consumers, on the safe use of LPG and other gas cylinders. “This
repeat warning is in view of recent explosions around the country occasioned by
wrong handling of the products.” The DG urged dealers and consumers to
patronise only SON certified LPG and other gas cylinders with the appropriate
marking “in order to safeguard our homes, offices and surroundings from avoidable
accidents from substandard cylinders.” “Our officers in 42 offices across the
nation have been directed to inspect all LGP plants and ensure the
certification or re-certification of all installed vassels as the case may be.
“The full weight of law shall be brought to bear on any plant and owner who
fail to comply with this mandatory requirement of SON Act,” Aboloma added. He,
therefore, warned importers of LGP and other gas cylinders to adhere strictly
to SON established procedure for the importation of the product. He added that
dealers and consumers must look out for mandatory embossed marking on all
imported LGP cylinders as specified in the Nigeria Industrial Standard.
“Furthermore, for certified locally manufactured LGP cylinders we wish to advise
dealers and users to look out for SON Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme
(MANCAP) logo and numbers in addition to the markings specified for the
imported products.” Aboloma disclosed that the life span of LGP cylinders in
Nigeria is 15 years during which the cylinders must be requalified twice every
five years. “SON has put in place a rigorous procedure for the certification of
imported and locally manufactured LGP cylinders for use in Nigeria to guarantee
safety and durability of the product.” He warned all LGP dispensing plants to
ensure due certification of their vessels as provided by SON. The Kaduna State
Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affair, Mr Samuel Aruwan who
received the SON delegation on behalf of the government, expressed appreciation
for commiserating with the state on the sad incident. Aruwan said the
government had given directive to close all retailers refiling gas in
residential and high risk areas. “We have also set up committee to identify the
areas to relocate them for the safety of lives and property. “Our doors are
open for partnership for the benefit of the public,” he said. NAN reports that
the Acting Director of Operations, SON, Mr. Dauda Yakubu and other seniors
officers were among the delegation.
Source: Vanguard News Nigeria
