Regulatory Action: Ogun Filling Stations Sealed
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has sealed two filling stations and a gas plant in Sagamu, Ogun State, for regulatory violations. The filling stations were found to be under-dispensing fuel, thereby shortchanging customers, while the gas plant was shut down for being situated in a densely populated residential area, contravening safety regulations.
Akinyemi Atilola, the Ogun State Coordinator of NMDPRA, emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring that consumers receive value for their money, especially given the high cost of fuel. He stated, “You can’t spend money on buying fuel at N959, N980 and still be having shortages; that isn’t good for our economy.”
The enforcement action was initiated following complaints from residents of the Awosanya community in Sagamu regarding the unsafe location of the gas plant. Atilola warned that the NMDPRA would not tolerate the construction of gas plants without adherence to safety standards, noting that any gas explosion in such areas could have devastating effects within a 2-kilometer radius.
He urged petroleum and gas marketers to prioritize safety and conduct their operations responsibly, while also calling on the public to report any filling stations or gas outlets suspected of violating regulations to the NMDPRA office.