The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has taken action against illegal oil and gas stations in Taraba and Imo States.
NMDPRA’s surveillance officers recently sealed off Saismo General Merchants Limited in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, for unlawfully selling liquefied natural gas (LNG).
NMDPRA’s surveillance officers recently sealed off Saismo General Merchants Limited in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, for unlawfully selling Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
The sealing of Saismo General Merchants Limited underscores the potential risks associated with illegal gas stations. Such establishments pose a threat to public safety, environmental integrity, and the overall stability of the energy market. The unauthorized sale of liquefied natural gas, a highly combustible substance, raises concerns about the potential for accidents and disasters.
The video shared by NMDPRA reveals an uncompleted building housing the illegal gas station. This raises questions about the deceptive tactics employed by some entities to conceal their unlawful activities. The regulatory authority’s ability to uncover and take action against such disguised operations demonstrates its commitment to thorough surveillance and enforcement.
NMDPRA’s actions also highlight the importance of collaboration between regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies. The successful closure of Saismo General Merchants Limited is a testament to the effectiveness of a coordinated effort to combat illegal practices in the oil and gas sector. Such partnerships are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the industry and ensuring a swift response to violations.
The agency shared a video on its official handle, revealing an uncompleted building housing the unauthorized gas station.
The video was captioned, ‘Surveillance officers of the authority sealed Saismo General Merchants Ltd. Yola Road, Jalingo, Taraba State. It was sealed because the company was illegally carrying out LPG operations.’
In the same vein, NMDPRA disclosed on Thursday that Udeking Oil & Gas Nigeria Limited located along the Owerri/Aba Road, Naze, Imo State, was “sealed for operating without a valid licence.”
NMDPRA noted that its officials had, earlier in December, sealed Oxkings Petroleum Limited, situated along Owerri-Port Harcourt Road, Avu in Imo State.
“The retail outlet was sealed for under-dispensing of PMS by 470mls on every litre,” the NMDPRA disclosed on X.
NMDPRA is responsible for the regulation of the midstream and downstream petroleum operations in Nigeria, which includes technical, operational and commercial activities.
It encompasses a merger of three defunct regulatory agencies: the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (Management) Board and the Midstream and Downstream Divisions of the Department of Petroleum Resources.
Meanwhile, it was reported that the NMDPRA sealed and arrested the operator of an illegal gas outlet in Warri metropolis, Delta State.
The unnamed illegal gas outlet was located inside a residential building at Lower Axis, Warri South Local Government Area.
Officials of the regulatory authority apprehended the suspect and handed him over to the Nigeria Police for prosecution after he was found to have removed the seal earlier placed on his facility.
