Akakan Umoh
Akwa Ibom Government has called for stronger collaboration between federal agencies in the State and their state counterparts to ensure effective service delivery and regulatory compliance.
The Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong made the call on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, during a stakeholders’ meeting with the Federal Fire Service and executive members of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State chapter.
The meeting focused on promoting best practices and addressing concerns within the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) sector.
Addressing complaints raised by the association regarding alleged extortion by officers of the Federal Fire Service, the Commissioner emphasized the need for synergy between the federal and state fire services in carrying out their statutory responsibilities.
Also read: Environment Ministry To Partner NGO For Environmental Conservation
“You will succeed when you collaborate. You will achieve better outcomes through partnership,” Rt. Hon Ekong stated.
He further stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to established laws guiding revenue collection at both federal and state levels.
The Commissioner advised all agencies to operate within the legal frameworks that established them, ensuring fairness and due process in their engagements with stakeholders.
Speaking too, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, Barr. Uduak Eyo-Nsa, underscored the importance of officers and field operatives obtaining proper directives from their respective principals before embarking on enforcement activities.
She advised that clear communication of mandates and adherence to approved guidelines would prevent misunderstandings and build trust among stakeholders.
Barr. Eyo-Nsa stressed that inter-agency cooperation must be guided by professionalism, mutual respect, and documented procedures, noting that coordinated action would enhance efficiency, eliminate duplication of roles, and promote a safer, more regulated LPG sector in the State
On the allegations against the agency, the representative of the State Controller of the Federal Fire Service, DSF Udoh Akpan, refuted claims of extortion.
He clarified that the fees imposed on some LPG retailers were penalties for violations of established safety standards and operational regulations.
According to him, the agency conducts routine inspections and on-the-spot assessments of retail outlets, alongside sensitization programmes aimed at educating operators on safety compliance. He added that penalties are only imposed on defaulters after due process, including proceedings through a mobile court where necessary.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association, Comrade Vitalis Godwin, had thanked the Commissioner for his oversight and support of the sector.
Godwin called on the government to continue protecting the interests of the association, noting that it is duly registered as a branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
