By Ibrahim Obansa, Lokoja
Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), yesterday, sealed off over 50 filling stations in Kogi State for operating without NMDPRA storage and sales licence.
Coordinator of NMDPRA in the state, Godwin Ogbe, explained that the sealing “is in line with Federal Government’s directives” that marketers must apply online and obtain licences in line with the guidelines in the Petroleum Inspectorate Act.
He hinted that five of the filling stations sealed were under-dispensing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to customers.
Ogbe noted that the outlets were shut down after surveillance by NMDPRA task force on Monday.
While acknowledging the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians, he said the agency discovered some sharp practices by marketers in the state, warning that any one caught would be immediately sanctioned.
The NMDPRA boss, who debunked reports that his agency had been compromised in its line of duty, urged the general public to report any marketer under-dispensing petrol in the state.
According to him, NMDPRA will continue to monitor the sale of PMS and to ensure that those engaging in sharp practices are brought to book.
“More than 50 filling stations are under seal in Kogi. Some of them were sealed for under-dispensing. They will fine to the federation account as appropriate, and those without licence or operating illegally shall also face the full wrath of the law. The sanitation is a continuous process, as surveillance is routinely conducted.
“We will not rest until NMDPRA clamps down on all oil marketers engaging in sharp practices in Kogi. As a reputable government agency, we will not fold our arms and allow some selfish elements sabotage government’s effort to ameliorate the suffering of the masses,” he stated.
Source: The Guardian
