*The Federal Government, through Nigeria Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority shuts seven filling stations in Kogi State, and two in Ogun State over alleged under-dispensing of products to energy consumers, lamenting the attitude of some oil marketers sabotaging the government鈥檚 efforts and the entire system for selfish interests

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

The Federal Government, through Nigeria Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has shut seven filling stations in Kogi State and two in Ogun State over alleged under-dispensing of products to energy consumers.

绿帽献妻 reports Ogbe Godwin, Kogi Coordinator of NMDPRA, who disclosed the development in Kogi at a news conference Thursday, February 13, 2025, in Lokoja, the state capital, accused the erring filling stations of branding without authorisation.

The NMPDRA revealed the identities of the affected stations as Solag Resources Limited, Ankpa, Hismus Oil and Gas, Obajana, Riyenic Global Limited, Oke-Ibukun Kabba and S.O.T Nigeria Limited.

Farouk Ahmed, CEO of NMDPRA

Godwin stated others are Omuo Kabba, Marktot Oil and Gas, Kabba, and NIPCO Filling Station.

The Kogi Coordinator of NMDPRA lamented the attitude of some oil marketers, who sabotage the efforts of the government and the system for selfish interest.

He said: “As long as NMDPRA is concerned, we will not condone such an act here in Kogi.

“It is a big offence to under-dispense petroleum products to customers. Any petroleum marketer caught will face the full wrath of the law.鈥�

Ogbe further noted: “All the seven filling stations we shut today will be paying to the coffers of the federal government.

鈥淭his will serve as a deterrent to others, who may tend to follow this dubious act.鈥�

According to him, NMDPRA had visited 50 filling stations, off and sealed seven for under-dispensing.

He disclosed that four filling stations were also sealed for operating without a licence.

The Coordinator as well listed such stations as Absala Oil and Gas, Yak Ali Oil and Gas, Yamuda Nigeria Ltd, and Hanimat Nigeria Limited, all in Ankpa Local Government Area of the state.

Ogbe warned: “We will no longer tolerate any marketer who is operating illegally in the state. It is better for them to go and do the needful by registering their stations with the Federal Government or the long arms of the law will catch up with them.

“NMDPRA won’t give any breathing space for individuals who intend to sabotage government efforts, but will ensure that petroleum products are available in Kogi without any compromise.鈥�

NMDPRA busts 2 filling stations for oil racketeering in Ogun

In a related development, the energy sector regulatory agency said it had shut two other filling stations and a gas plant in Sagamu, Ogun State, over alleged infractions.

Akinyemi Atilola, Ogun Coordinator of NMDPRA, and surveillance team lead, who coordinated the exercise Wednesday, said the regulators took the action to safeguard the lives and property of residents in the area.

Atilola explained the monitoring and surveillance action would also curb the excesses of some petroleum marketers, and their continued extortion of unsuspecting energy consumers.

According to him, the filling stations also were sealed for under-dispensing while the gas outlet was sealed for operating without regulatory approval.

He argued though the Federal Government preaches domestic gas utilisation for Nigerians, it is yet important to ensure rules and regulations are followed to prevent potential risks associated with its usage in the country.

No reasonable government agency will give such a place approval, he said, noting the site is situated within a densely populated residential area.

The Ogun Coordinator of NMDPRA also said: “And we are here again, today (Wednesday) to sound a note of warning that NMDPRA will not fold its hands while some people think that they can engage in gas plant construction without recourse and respect to the safety rules for the people around.

“We are out here on surveillance. We also need to know the quantity of fuel that is being dispensed to the masses, to know that they have value for their money.鈥�

He observed: “You can’t spend money on buying fuel at N959, N980 and still be having shortages; that isn’t good for our economy.

“So many of these stations will be monitored and we will definitely go after whoever is committing any infractions, malpractice in terms of quality, and quantity.

“We will also look at the safety of the stations.鈥�

The NMDPRA Coordinator urged oil and gas marketers to prioritise the issue of safety and conduct their businesses with the utmost sense of duty to ensure the safety of all.

Atilola equally urged the public to register complaints of filling stations or gas outlets suspected of flouting regulations at its office.

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