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.

The team lead, LPG Plants NMDPRA, Kaduna office, Abdullahi Ibrahim, made this known in an interview with NAN on Tuesday.

Ibrahim said 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 further stated 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.

READ ALSO: Kaduna govt unveils 5th Kashim Ibrahim Fellows

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 land authorities where an approved building plan and permission will be granted with a titled document carrying LPG plant,” he added.

The team lead said licensing of facility is done for a period of two years while a licence expires on December 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 to boost the economy.

The Star