The Department of Petroleum Resources, the Regulatory Agency of the oil and gas sector has achieved another milestone with the launch of the Minimum Industry Safety Training for Downstream Operations (MISTDO) in Lagos.

At the launch of the programme, the Director/CEO Department of Petroleum Resources, Engr. Auwalu Sarki MNSE said the oil and gas industry being a volatile sector is prone to many hazards. He said Majority of accidents in the Downstream sector are due to human errors. This has led to loss of human lives, destruction of properties (investments) and grave environmental pollution. Consequently, this puts the Economy under immense pressure because it is affected negatively by such impacts. He stated that DPR attaches paramount importance to safety and the MISTDO is part of the steps to ensure every person who engages in downstream operations is acquainted with the knowledge of minimum safety training to ensure risk reduction and aversion.

Engr. Auwalu Sarki said effective 1st September, 2020, DPR will ensure MISTDO compliance in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, Kaduna, Kano, Abuja, Edo, Imo, Niger, Nassarawa and Gombe states. Consequently, MISTDO will be a prerequisite for all New and Renewal of all Downstream Licences nationwide from 1st January, 2021.

Goodwill messsges were delivered by Chairman Senate Committee on Gas, Senator James Manager, Vice Chairman House Committee on Downstream, Honourable Alex Egbona and other major stakeholders in the downstream sector of the oil and gas sector.