The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has shut down seven fuel stations in Kogi State for under-dispensing fuel and unauthorized branding. This move is part of a nationwide crackdown on fraudulent petroleum marketers exploiting customers.
Kogi State Coordinator of NMDPRA, Ogbe Godwin, made the announcement during a press conference in Lokoja, emphasizing that cheating customers through fuel pump manipulation is a criminal act.
“It is so disheartening to note that some people keep sabotaging the effort of the system for their own selfish interests. We are not telling them not to sell their product at their own price, but cheating the public, we will not condone it,” he said.
Following inspections of 50 fuel stations in Kogi, seven were found guilty of manipulating fuel pumps to defraud consumers. The petroleum regulatory authority has vowed to punish illegal fuel marketers who exploit Nigerians.
Illegal Fuel Stations Also Shut Down in Kogi
Beyond the seven fuel stations caught cheating customers, four others were shut down for operating without a license. The affected fuel stations in Kogi State include:
- Solag Resources Limited, Ankpa
- Hismus Oil and Gas, Obajana
- Riyenic Global Limited, Oke-Ibukun Kabba
- S.O.T Nigeria Limited, Omuo Kabba
- Marktot Oil and Gas, Kabba
- NIPCO filling station, Phase 1 Lokoja
Additionally, four illegal fuel stations in Ankpa were sealed for completely bypassing regulatory laws. These include:
- Absala Oil and Gas
- Yak Ali Oil and Gas
- Yamuda Nigeria Limited
- Hanimat Nigeria Limited
These petroleum marketers in Kogi were operating without government approval, violating regulations and putting consumers at risk.
NMDPRA Issues Stern Warning to Fuel Stations in Nigeria
Godwin warned all fuel station operators in Nigeria to comply with regulations or risk facing severe legal penalties.
He stated, “Let me sound a note of warning to any marketer who is operating illegally in the state. It is better you go and do the needful by registering your stations with the Federal Government or the long arms of the law will catch up with you.”
The Nigerian petroleum regulatory authority has vowed to intensify its crackdown on fuel stations cheating customers and ensure that Nigerians are not defrauded by fraudulent petroleum marketers.
“There won’t be any breathing space for individuals who intend to sabotage government efforts in ensuring that petroleum products are available without any compromise,” he added.
NMDPRA Crackdown on Fuel Stations in Kogi: What It Means
The closure of illegal fuel stations in Kogi State serves as a warning that the Nigerian petroleum sector is under increased scrutiny. The government is expected to extend this crackdown to other states as part of efforts to clean up fraudulent activities in the fuel industry.
Nigerians deserve fair fuel pricing, accurate pump readings, and an end to fraudulent fuel stations exploiting customers. The NMDPRA’s latest actions indicate that corrupt fuel station operators will no longer go unpunished.
