Kogi: NMDPRA seals seven fuel stations for under-dispensing
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has sealed seven fuel stations in Kogi State for under-dispensing fuel to customers.
The affected stations include Solag Resources Ltd., Hismus Oil and Gas, Riyenic Global Ltd., S.O.T Nigeria Ltd., Omuo Kabba, Marktot Oil and Gas, and NIPCO Filling Station. While four other stations were sealed for operating without valid licenses.
This action is part of NMDPRA’s efforts to enforce compliance with regulations and prevent illegal practices in the petroleum sector
Kogi State Coordinator of NMDPRA, Ogbe Godwin, who announced the shuttling down while briefing Journalists in Lokoja on Thursday, expressed disappointment over the criminal activities of some fuel stations.
He said, “It is so disheartening to note that some people keep sabotaging the effort of the system for their own selfish interests. We are not telling them not to sell their product at their own price, but cheating the public, we will not condone 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.”
Godwin explained that the NMDPRA inspected 50 fuel stations in Kogi, with seven found guilty of under-dispensing
He further disclosed that the erring filling stations will pay penalties to the federal government listing them as “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 authorisation) and NIPCO filling station Phase 1 Lokoja.”
He also revealed that some filling stations were also shut down for operating illegally in the state.
He added, “Four filling stations were sealed in Ankpa for operating without a 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.”
