CurrentReport Blog The Kogi State Coordinator of the Nigerian Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ogbe Orits Godwin, has reiterated the agency’s commitment to eliminating illegal petroleum marketing activities in the state.
Speaking over the weekend during a courtesy visit by the Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Chapter, Godwin revealed that several individuals operating unlicensed filling stations have been apprehended.
Crackdown on Illegal Petroleum Operations
Godwin warned illegal petroleum marketers to leave the state or face the full wrath of the law. He equated their activities to oil theft, stating, “Any marketer operating illegally should relocate from Kogi State. We will not relent in clamping down on them because they are not different from those stealing our oil inside the bushes.”
The agency has also intensified efforts to eliminate hazardous practices, including cylinder-to-cylinder gas refilling, which has been linked to explosions and fatalities in the past.
Reducing Gas Explosions in Kogi State
Reflecting on past incidents, Godwin highlighted the dangers of illegal gas decanting operations. He cited a gas explosion in Obajana caused by unsafe practices, which resulted in significant losses.
“In the past, Kogi State experienced recurring gas explosions with fatalities. However, through strict regulatory activities, we have reduced these incidents to zero fatalities in the last year,” he said.
Closure of Non-Compliant Filling Stations
The NMDPRA recently shut down filling stations in Gegu, Lokoja, Ankpa, and Okene local government areas for under-dispensing fuel to customers. Godwin described this act as both “wicked and criminal.”
“People are suffering, and some petroleum marketers are still adding to their burden. When a person pays for 10 litres and you give them nine litres, that is unacceptable,” he added.
To curb fraudulent practices, the agency has deployed monitors to track stations that sell fuel only after official hours. Offending stations have been penalized accordingly.
Calls for Consumer Protection
The Kogi State NUJ Chairman, Mike Abu, commended the NMDPRA for its efforts in maintaining regulatory standards. However, he urged the agency to address filling stations operating like black markets, particularly in Lokoja.
Abu also called on NMDPRA to provide a public hotline for residents to report sharp practices by petroleum marketers.
NMDPRA’s Commitment to Compliance
Godwin assured that the NMDPRA remains dedicated to enforcing laws that protect consumer rights and ensure public safety. The agency’s ongoing crackdown underscores its resolve to sanitize the oil and gas sector in Kogi State.
Residents are encouraged to support the agency’s efforts by reporting illegal activities to foster a safer and more transparent petroleum sector.
