DPR seals 7 cooking gas stations in Sokoto

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has sealed five LPG (cooking gas) retailers’ stations in Sokoto state for violating safety guidelines.

The DPR also sealed two other outlets for operating without licences.

Addressing newsmen, the Comptroller of Sokoto Field office, Muhammad Makera, said the department raided 17 LPG stations on Thursday out of which seven were sealed, while others were shut down for operating without approval.

He said some of the affected retailers were operating in unsafe environments, which endangers their lives and that of neighbouring residents.

Makera explained that the stations would not be reopened until they relocate to safe locations, and have obtained required licences.

He reiterated that the operation would be sustained until all cooking gas outlets in the state are duly approved and operate in a safe environment.

The South East Governors Forum (SEGF) on Thursday appealed for the timely completion of the ongoing rehabilitation work at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

Chairman of the forum and Ebonyi State Governor, Engr David Umahi made the appeal while inspecting the extent of the project at the airport. Gov Umahi said that although he was satisfied with the extent of the work but was concerned about the duration and delivery of the project.

He expressed delight about the pedigree and experience of the consultant in charge of the work, saying he had no reservations that the job would be of good quality.

He lauded the President for the various projects being executed by the Federal Government in the zone, including the Second Niger Bridge.

On the alleged downward review of the contract sum, Umahi said he had no such information, adding that he was not worried about such allegations as the definition and specification of the work had not changed.

However, the Project Consultant, Mr Sani Baba, had earlier said that the issue of completion of the project was an issue with the contractor. He said that the contractor had opted to deliver the project in June 2020 but the Federal Government rejected it and insisted on delivering the job by the last week of April 2020.