NMDPRA Seals 7 Filling Stations In Kogi
The Nigeria Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has sealed seven petrol stations in Kogi State for allegedly under-dispensing petroleum products to customers and operating without proper authorization.
Speaking at a press conference in Lokoja on Thursday, Mr. Ogbe Godwin, the Kogi State Coordinator of NMDPRA, accused the affected stations of engaging in fraudulent practices, including unauthorised branding.
The sealed filling stations include—Solag Resources Limited Ankpa, Hismus Oil and Gas, Obajana, Riyenic Global Limited, Oke-Ibukun Kabba, S.O.T Nigeria Limited, Omuo Kabba, Marktot Oil and Gas, Kabba,(branding without authorization) and NIPCO filling station Phase 1 Lokoja.
Godwin condemned the actions of some oil marketers and described them as attempts to sabotage government efforts for personal gain.
He stated that the regulatory body inspected 50 filling stations across the state, out of which seven were sealed for under-dispensing. While four stations were shut down for operating without licenses.
Godwin warned that NMDPRA would no longer tolerate illegal operations in the state and urged marketers to register their stations with the Federal Government to avoid legal consequences.
He said, “It is so disheartening to note that some people keep sabotaging the effort of the system for their own selfish interest.
“We are not telling them not to sell their product at their own price, but cheating the public we will not condole it.
“It is a big offence to under-dispense petroleum products to customers. Any petroleum marketer caught will face the full wrath of the law.
“NMDPRA visited 50 filling stations recently and shut down seven for under dispensing. All the seven filing stations we shut today will be paying to the coffers of the federal government. This will serve as a deterrent to others who intend to follow this dubious act.
“For the purpose of record, the following filing stations were shut down by NMDPRA for under-dispensing in Kogi State. They are Solag Resources Limited Ankpa, Hismus Oil and Gas, Obajana, Riyenic Global Limited, Oke-Ibukun Kabba, S.O.T Nigeria Limited, Omuo Kabba, Marktot Oil and Gas, Kabba,(branding without authorization) and NIPCO filling station Phase 1 Lokoja.
“Four filing stations were sealed in Ankpa for operating without license. They are Absala Oil and Gas, Yak Ali Oil and Gas, Yamuda Nigeria Limited, and Hanimat Nigeria Limited, all in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
“Let me sound a note of warning to any marketer who is operating illegally in the State. It is better you go and do the needful by registering your stations with the Federal Government or the long arms of the law will catch up with you.
“There won’t be any breathing space for individuals who intend to sabotage government efforts in ensuring that petroleum products are available without any compromise.”
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensure compliance with petroleum distribution regulations to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of the sector.
NMDPRA Seals 7 Filling Stations In Kogi is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
