NMDPRA Orders ‘Time-Out’ and Spill Mitigation Measures for Oil and Gas Operators as Imminent Flood Threatens 15 Lagos/Ogun Communities

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has issued a critical flood warning to oil and gas operators across Ogun and Lagos states, urging them to implement proactive measures, including a complete suspension of operations, to protect infrastructure and ensure energy security.

The alert, which follows a grim forecast from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), highlights the imminent danger posed by the overflow of the Ogun River. The water surge is expected from the controlled release of water from the Oyan Dam, compounded by heavy rainfall cascading from the Northern parts of the country.

Dr. Simeon Atilola, the Ogun State Coordinator of the NMDPRA, emphasized that the flooding, which is typical for this time of the year, could lead to severe consequences for the petroleum sector, including spills, environmental degradation, and a disruption in the supply chain.

In a crucial stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday, the Authority and the oil and gas operators agreed on immediate and drastic steps to mitigate the potential disaster:

1. Operational Time-Out: A mandatory suspension of operations will be enforced in affected areas during the peak flooding period.
2. Safety Protocols: Operators must strictly adhere to standard procedures, including ensuring that all storage tanks are properly strapped to prevent them from being washed away or suffering damage that could cause massive spillages.
3. Flood Response: A dedicated flood response team and a specialized communication channel will be established to enhance coordination between the public, regulators, and stakeholders.
4. Recommissioning Mandate: Any facility impacted by the flood will be required to undergo a full recommissioning by the NMDPRA before being allowed to resume business.

The warning specifically targets stations located in or near at least 15 flood-prone communities in Ogun and parts of Lagos, including Isheri, Magboro, Akute, Ifo, Iro, Alagbole, and Makogi, where the risk to life, property, and the environment is highest. The NMDPRA stressed that while the flood may be unavoidable, the devastating impact on the economy and the environment, particularly through spillages, can and must be drastically curtailed through collective action.