The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has issued an important clarification following a fire outbreak that took place at a Mobil filling station in Ikeja, Lagos. This incident, which occurred at 11 am on Thursday, resulted in a significant fire that involved a gas tanker, several vehicles, including cars and buses, leading to widespread concern and speculation about the safety of nearby facilities.
In the aftermath of the incident, many people were understandably worried about the potential impact on other gas stations and related facilities in the area. NNPC Ltd, recognizing the need to address these concerns, promptly released an official statement through its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye. The statement was aimed at dispelling any fears and providing a clear understanding of the situation.
Olufemi Soneye emphasized that the explosion at the Mobil filling station had no connection whatsoever to the recently launched NNPC Gas Marketing Ltd (NGML)/NIPCO Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Stations.
These stations, which are a part of NNPC’s broader efforts to promote cleaner energy and reduce carbon emissions, continue to operate safely and without incident. Soneye made it clear that the safety protocols at these stations are stringent and were in no way compromised by the fire at the Mobil station.
The NNPC Ltd further elaborated that the NGML facilities, including those in Lagos, remain unaffected by the explosion. According to the statement,
NGML is not involved in any activities related to the affected Mobil station, and all NGML operations, including pipelines, metering stations, above-ground installations, and CNG facilities, are functioning as intended. Soneye reassured the public that these facilities are maintained to the highest safety standards and are regularly monitored to ensure their integrity and safe operation.
This response from NNPCL was not just about addressing the specific incident but also about reaffirming the company’s commitment to safety and transparency. By clearly distinguishing between the operations at the Mobil station and the NGML facilities, NNPCL aimed to prevent any misinformation from spreading and to reassure the public that there was no broader threat to other gas stations or energy facilities in Lagos.
The incident itself, though serious, was contained, and emergency services were able to bring the fire under control. However, the quick response from NNPC Ltd highlights the importance of effective communication in the face of potential public concern. By providing accurate information and clarifying the situation, NNPC Ltd helped to calm the fears of many who might have been worried about the safety of other gas stations and energy infrastructure in the area.
