NMDPRA Alerts Oil, Gas Operators on Impending Flood in Ogun, Lagos

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has issued a critical warning to oil and gas operators in Ogun and Lagos states to prepare for imminent flooding that threatens infrastructure, livelihoods, and energy supply. This alert was delivered by Dr. Simeon Atilola, the Ogun State Coordinator of NMDPRA, during an emergency meeting held in Abeokuta with leaders of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).

The warning comes in response to flood forecasts issued by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), which anticipates that at least 15 flood-prone communities stretching from Ogun to Lagos will face flooding within days. Among the affected areas in Ogun are Isheri, Magboro, Akute, Ifo, Iro, Kajola, Orumerunmu, Alagbole, Makogi, Lafenwa, Enugada, Akin Olugbade, Iberekodo, and Ago Odo.

Dr. Atilola emphasized that flooding severely affects oil and gas facilities, often leading to petroleum product spillages, environmental harm, disruption to energy supply chains, and even loss of human life. He underscored the vital contributions of the oil and gas sector to the Nigerian economy and stressed the necessity for coordinated action to mitigate flood impacts.

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“It is well known that during this time of year, heavy rains in the northern regions and the consequent overflow of the River Niger lead to controlled releases from dams down south, including the Oyan Dam. This causes water levels to surge, placing Ogun under high flood risk,” Atilola explained. He highlighted that while flooding cannot be entirely prevented, strategic collaboration between regulators and industry stakeholders could curb spillages, protect lives, and sustain petroleum supply.

Leaders from both Ogun and Lagos branches of IPMAN welcomed the regulatory agency’s proactive engagement. Former IPMAN Secretary Alhaji Sodiq Mahmud applauded NMDPRA’s concern for the welfare of operators beyond revenue collection, while the Lagos IPMAN Secretary, Alhaji Akeem Balogun, pledged to disseminate safety guidelines promptly to members.

Following the meeting, stakeholders agreed to establish a flood response team to provide critical support during the flooding period. A communication channel between the public, regulators, and industry players will also be set up to ensure timely updates and coordinated flood response.

Strict operational protocols will be enforced, including work stoppages in affected areas during flooding, safety strapping of petroleum tanks, and mandatory inspections and recommissioning of facilities before resuming activities after the floodwaters recede.

This regulatory intervention aligns with recent flood alerts issued by the Ogun State Government’s Environment Commissioner, Mr. Ola Oresanya, who last Monday urged residents of riverbank and wetland areas—such as Akute, Alagbole, Isheri, Magboro, Makogi, Orimerunmu, Iro, Kajola, and parts of Abeokuta including Lafenwa and Enugada—to brace for the Ogun River’s expected overflow between October 20 and November 3.

Oresanya attributed the anticipated flooding to controlled discharges from the Oyan Dam, necessitated by increased water inflow from heavy northern rainfall combined with rising tidal levels. He called on residents to take precautionary measures, move to higher ground if possible, and steer clear of flood-prone zones to avoid loss of life and property within the period.

The Commissioner also confirmed that the Ogun State Government, in cooperation with the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority, continues efforts to dredge and open tributaries to reduce flood impact. He assured the public that, unlike previous years, water release volumes are being carefully managed to mitigate severity.

Oil and gas operators in the affected communities are urged to comply with regulatory safety directives, prioritize hazard prevention, and work alongside authorities to safeguard both their businesses and the environment throughout this flood season.

The collaboration fostered by NMDPRA and petroleum marketers exemplifies proactive disaster preparedness vital for minimizing economic disruption and protecting lives in Ogun and Lagos amid Nigeria’s seasonal flooding challenges.