NALPGAM, LASTMA Partner To Promote Safe LPG Transportation

The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have agreed to strengthen collaboration on safe Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) transportation.

The agreement followed a courtesy visit by NALPGAM executives to LASTMA management on Friday in Lagos, where both parties discussed safety concerns and operational challenges.

NALPGAM President, Mr Edu Iyang, said collaboration was vital due to gas volatility and risks linked to transportation on busy public roads.

He said increasing urban traffic and rising LPG usage made coordinated safety measures more urgent for operators and emergency responders.

According to him, the partnership would ensure proper handling of LPG trucks, particularly during breakdowns, accidents or unforeseen mechanical failures on highways.

“Gas is highly volatile, and any mismanagement can cause disaster. This engagement ensures safety is prioritised during incidents involving gas trucks,” Iyang said.

He explained that poor awareness among first responders could worsen incidents, stressing the need for shared knowledge and clearly defined response protocols.

Iyang added the visit aimed to build understanding and establish a coordinated emergency response framework for LPG-related incidents across Lagos.

He said members served as a critical link between depots and consumers, ensuring steady distribution of LPG to homes and businesses.

According to him, products were transported from refineries and depots to plants and retail outlets using specialised, safety-compliant trucks.

He noted operations were regulated by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, ensuring strict adherence to safety and operational standards.

The president proposed regular engagements, joint drills and technical training sessions to equip LASTMA officials with practical knowledge on LPG emergencies.

NALPGAM Ogun spokesman, Mr Tony Ofoyetan, commended LASTMA’s role in traffic control and safety enforcement across Lagos’ congested road networks.

Ofoyetan described LPG transporters as sensitive road users, stressing the need for a coordinated and well-structured incident response framework.

He noted that delays or miscommunication during emergencies could escalate risks, endangering lives, property and critical infrastructure.

“We want a clear response template that prioritises safety, reduces risks and ensures smooth traffic management,” he said.

In his response, LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, welcomed the initiative and described it as timely and necessary.

Bakare-Oki said the collaboration would enhance operational efficiency and improve safety outcomes on Lagos roads.

He said LASTMA officers were trained in incident management and worked closely with other emergency agencies for prompt, coordinated responses.

According to him, inter-agency cooperation remained key to managing complex road incidents, especially those involving hazardous materials like LPG.

He highlighted Lagos’ heavy traffic burden, noting millions of vehicles operated daily within limited land space.

The general manager said such pressure on infrastructure required efficient coordination, rapid response systems and continuous stakeholder engagement.

Bakare-Oki endorsed joint training, improved communication and the designation of NALPGAM contact persons for emergency situations.

He said direct communication channels would reduce response time and improve decision-making during critical incidents.

He urged NALPGAM to support the agency with heavy-duty recovery equipment to strengthen its operational capacity.

According to him, such support would aid faster clearance of affected vehicles and minimise traffic disruption during emergencies.

Both parties agreed to deepen collaboration to ensure safer LPG transportation and improved traffic management across Lagos State.