The Petroleum Product Monitoring Committee (PPMC), in collaboration with the Midstream and Downstream Nigeriano (NMDPRA) oil regulatory authority, has launched a repression of illegal filling stations and speculators that disguise oil vendors in Akwa Ibom.
President of the Committee, Hon. Godwin Ekpo, revealed in Uyo the weekend that fraudulent practices in the posterior sector “are at their highest point”, warning that operators who participate in acute practices, such as the execution of illegal filling stations, would face severe sanctions.
The investigations, he said, revealed that many media operated without valid licenses, fire fighting certification or emergency response plans, while some lacked mandatory safety signaling.
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He expressed concern that the suspicious oil thieves have infiltrated the sector, adulterating a significant percentage of oil products consumed in the state.
“All the affected points of sale, including illegal filling stations, must immediately regularize their operations with the NMDPRA and the State Fire Service, and show their documents prominently in their stations,” he directed.
EKPO also warned the oil owners and drivers who transport only oil products of legal origin with adequate documentation, emphasizing that vehicles must be equipped for fires and other emergencies.
The president of PPMC urged the members of the public to remain vigilant and inform filling stations that operate without licenses or signaling, selling adulterated products, a low dispersion fuel or neglecting security measures. It is crucial to identify and inform any illegal filling station to guarantee public safety.
He assured that continuous monitoring and compliance controls would continue throughout the state, adding: “Any operator, driver or business found will be sanctioned, fined and processed in accordance with the law.“
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