The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has issued a stern warning to filling stations and fuel marketers against the unlawful sale of premium motor spirit (PMS or fuel) to illegal roadside peddlers.
In a post on X and through a directive issued after a closed-door stakeholders’ meeting with major retail outlet managers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Friday, the NMDPRA warned that non-compliance would lead to the suspension of licenses.
NMDPRA made this known on X that filling stations must refrain from supplying fuel to illegal peddlers, warning that failure to comply will result in the suspension of their retail licenses.
It stated thus: “NMDPRA embarks on a war against the illegal sale of petroleum products, especially PMS, in jerrycans. Filling stations are advised to desist from servicing illegal peddlers; failure to do so will result in the suspension of retail licences.”
The convened meeting in Abuja, also reinforces the authority’s existing regulations against the illegal peddling of petroleum products in jerry cans or small containers which is often used for smuggling and resell by unscrupulous people.
Mr. Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure at NMDPRA, emphasized that marketers were cautioned that the authority would now enforce strict compliance.
Ukoha pointed out that NMDPRA would intensify its surveillance and monitoring efforts, with plans to revoke the retail licenses of any marketers found supporting or engaging in this illegal activity.
“The authority is taking this decisive step to safeguard lives and properties of Nigerians that are usually at risk of fire outbreaks through improper handling of the volatile and highly flammable product.
It is also mindful of the nefarious practices of cross border smuggling of the products with the use of jerry cans and must tackle such.”
NMDPRA executive directors and its team comprising of Ukoha and Dr Mustapha Larmode in collaboration with security agencies also conducted surveillance to some outlets around the metropolis.
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