Kogi State Coordinator of the Nigerian Mainstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engineer Ogbe Godwin says the the newly created regulatory body is a combination of other governmental agencies targeted towards improved service delivery.
Engineer Ogbe stated this while speaking with newsmen in Lokoja.
He said the former Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) metamorphosed into (NMDPRA) as result of the passage of the Petroleum Inspectorate Bill.
According to him, agencies such as Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPRA) and Petroleum Equilibration Fund (PEF) were merged with (DPR) for an enlarged scope and responsibilities.
He maintained that the newly created body regulates both the mainstream and downstream sector and as well perform the functions of of both (PPRA) and (PEF).
On the level of compliance of Independent marketers in kogi State to the demands of the authority, the state Coordinator said Kogi has optimally maintained the standard expected in the sector.
He however emphasised that the regulatory body has never compromised standard and has been up and doing to enforce the law guiding the sector through one on one interactions with the marketers, their representatives and their union – Independent Marketers Association.
Engineer Ogbe said the era of unregistered filling stations and substandard construction of structures meant for the business have been phased out in kogi.
He maintained that the procedures is seamless and digitalised as prospective investors can access their demands on-line.
The Coordinator also emphasised that the agency would continue to clampdown on illegal gas stations that are cited in density areas including market, churches, mosque and event centers to avoid casualties in case of emergency.
Engineer Ogbe also advised consumers to avoid panic buying due to current scarcity noting that the Federal Government is putting necessary measures to distribute petrol across the country despite the hitch occasioned by the flood.
The Coordinator also appealed to the Federal Government to give special attention to the roads in kogi State as it remains the gate way to many states of the federation.
To the consumers, the state Coordinator warned against filling of motor vehicles with pms to the brim as well as other storage containers like generators to avoid related hazards.
