The Edo State Government has embarked on a recertification exercise for petrol and gas stations in Benin City, with the aim of ensuring that operators possess requisite permits to run the facilities.

Commissioner for Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development, Isoken Omo, in a statement, said owners and operators who fail to comply with the directive not later than Thursday, March 21, 2022, risk sanctions which include fines or closure of their facilities.

According to her, “Following the recent fire incident at Emmanat Filling Station along Ekenwan Road, Benin City on January 25, 2022, it has become necessary to recertify all and gas stations in Benin City and its environs to prevent a repeat of such incident and ensure that the public is protected from hazards associated with petrol and gas filling stations.

“The Ministry of Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development is by this notice requesting all owners and operators of petrol and gas filling stations to submit their approved building plans to the Office of the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development, 2nd Floor, Block C, Secretariat Complex, Sapele Road, Benin City for clearance and recertification not later than Thursday, March 31, 2022.

“Failure to comply will lead to sanctions which may include fine and/or closure of the petrol or gas filling station. Please be guided accordingly.”

She urged members of the public to contact the Ministry on 08104663697 or 09128802734 or send a mail to [email protected] for further clarifications where needed.