The Regional Coordinator of NMDPRA, South-South, Mr George Ene-Ita gave the warning in Port Harcourt, while speaking with top executive in the petroleum sector.
Ene-Ita said the authority has also directed depots across the region to implement the no-license-no-lifting of petroleum products policy.
He stated, “Recently, we have compiled the list of illegal outlets. All illegally constructed retail outlets have been given up to the end of this month (April) to approach the authorities to try and regularise their establishments, following which dire consequences will be meted out to them.
“We have started sending these illegal or unlicensed filling stations to people and we are lumping up implementing the no-licence-no-lifting policy. We are going to start taking it very seriously. If you are not giving the regulatory space, how are we even sure that you are upholding basic protocols of the facility you are operating?”
He also announced the body’s plan to restart the technical safety audit of the operations of petrol retail outlets and other activities.
Ene-Ita said at least one death was recorded every four days in the course of product movement with 412 fatalities in 244 accidents recorded between 2018 and the first quarter of 2023.
He added, “The fire incidents up until now have been quite alarming. We have seen the statistics fatalities. Just this year alone, I think it is about 18. This is unacceptable.
“This is the reason why we need to re-engage stakeholders in the field and drive home the importance of upholding our safety procedures in our facilities. Every facility that engages business, employs human beings, builds up to the Gross Domestic Product of this country. That is why we are here today.”
Speaking, the Chairman of Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria in the state, Francis Dimkpa, commended the steps taken by the NMDPRA to reduce hazards in the sector.
