Oscarline Onwuemenyi
06 April 2016, Sweetcrude, Abuja – The Kaduna State Government has placed a ban the indiscriminate sale of petrol in jerry cans and black market operations, which has become rampant following the scarcity of petroleum products.
This is coming a few weeks after a similar ban was ordered by officials in Jos, Plateau State, citing security reasons.
The government in a statement by the Special Assistant to Governor Nasir el-Rufai on Media and Publicity, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, said the decision was taken at state security council meeting presided by the governor.
The statement noted that security agencies had been directed to arrest and prosecute anyone found violating the ban as well outright confiscation of any petroleum products found in their possession.
It stated that, “Noting the difficulties imposed by the current petrol scarcity, the council appealed to citizens to remain patient and assured the public that the state government is working with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other agencies to reduce the hardship associated with the shortages of petroleum products.
“Council also observed that the unsafe handling of petroleum products during periods like this has been associated with fires, destruction and fatal consequences for innocent victims.”
It warned those engaging in sabotage and illegal sale of petroleum products in the state to desist with immediate effect or face the wrath of the law.
The statement further urged residents to help uphold and enforce the Kaduna State Petroleum Products (Anti-Hoarding and Adulteration) Law of 1992, which empowers a task force to ensure that petrol is sold in a safe manner, and imposes a financial penalty on violators.
The ban is coming at a time when many young people had taken to the brisk business of selling petrol in jerrycans following the biting effect of the scarcity of the product.
Investigations also showed that the few filling stations that have the product often collaborate with the ‘black market’ to sell it to people carrying jerry cans than motorists, thereby worsening the scarcity.