Crime

NMDPRA seals seven filling stations in Kogi

We will no longer tolerate such actions. As long as NMDPRA is concerned, we will not condone such an act here in Kogi

Published

1 year ago

February 13, 2025

The Nigeria Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has shut down seven filling stations in Kogi State for alleged under dispensing of petroleum products to customers and unauthorized branding.

Mr. Ogbe Godwin, the NMDPRA Kogi Coordinator, revealed this during a press briefing in Lokoja on Thursday.

He accused the affected stations of engaging in these illegal practices, which he said undermined the efforts of the government to ensure fair and regulated distribution of petroleum products.

The stations sealed include Solag Resources Ltd. (Ankpa), Hismus Oil and Gas (Obajana), Riyenic Global Ltd. (Oke-Ibukun, Kabba), S.O.T Nigeria Ltd. (Omuo Kabba), Marktot Oil and Gas (Kabba), and NIPCO Filling Station.

Godwin strongly condemned the actions of some oil marketers, claiming they were sabotaging the system for personal gain. “Under dispensing petroleum products is a serious offense. Any marketer caught will face the full force of the law,” he said.

The NMDPRA Kogi Coordinator further revealed that the authority had inspected 50 stations, sealing seven for under dispensing, and additionally shutting four others for operating without proper licenses.

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These four unlicensed stations were Absala Oil and Gas, Yak Ali Oil and Gas, Yamuda Nigeria Ltd., and Hanimat Nigeria Ltd., all located in the Ankpa Local Government Area.

NMDPRA Kogi Coordinator Godwin issued a stern warning to illegal marketers: “We will no longer tolerate unlicensed operations in the state. It is better for them to register their stations with the Federal Government, or the law will catch up with them.”

He emphasized that NMDPRA would continue to ensure petroleum products are distributed fairly and without compromise in Kogi State.

The sealed stations will be required to pay fines to the Federal Government, and the action aims to serve as a deterrent to other marketers who may engage in similar activities.