The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has issued a warning to marketers in Kogi State, instructing them to cease tampering with seals belonging to the Nigeria Mainstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
During a meeting between the IPMAN chairman in Kogi State, Hon. Mejid Okomanyi, and the State Coordinator of NMDPRA, Engr. Orit Godwin, on Monday, the chairman emphasized the importance of the warning. The arrest of 12 marketers for allegedly removing seals and intimidating the NMDPRA surveillance team during their duty prompted the need for this caution.
The chairman regarded the act of removing NMDPRA seals as illegal and stressed that IPMAN is committed to upholding the regulations governing the downstream sector in Nigeria.
Okomanyi appealed to the management of NMDPRA to exercise leniency but assured them that any IPMAN members found guilty would face legal consequences from now on.
Furthermore, Okomanyi assured NMDPRA of IPMAN’s cooperation in eliminating any marketers involved in fraudulent activities across the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
In response, Engr. Ogbe Orits Godwin, the Kogi State Coordinator of the Nigeria Mainstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), acknowledged that the operation indicated that storage and sales licenses in Kogi State were being properly followed.
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Engr. Godwin emphasized that the agency’s objective is not to target specific marketers but rather to ensure that those involved in illicit practices are removed from the system. He urged marketers with valid licenses to fulfill their duties diligently, refraining from manipulating their meters or providing inadequate quantities to the public.
He made it clear that the agency will not tolerate any form of fraudulent activities by marketers in Kogi State. Any caught marketers will face appropriate sanctions without any bias or leniency. Engr. Godwin took the opportunity to appeal to IPMAN, requesting their assistance in preventing actions that could lead their members into trouble.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of safety measures, emphasizing that fire extinguishers should be regularly checked and expired ones renewed.
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He also highlighted the necessity of proper signage, including no smoking signs, and urged thorough inspections of underground storage tanks, particularly during the rainy season, to prevent seepages or water contamination of the stored products, which could cause damage to vehicles and machinery.
Engr. Godwin concluded by stating that malfunctioning pumps should be decommissioned and promptly repaired or fixed, as the agency will not accept any excuses for non-compliance.
