Group Backs Dangote, Gives FG Ultimatum to Investigate Alleged Dirty Fuel
- A civil society organisation has given the government a seven-day deadline to investigate allegations of hazardous fuel importation in Nigeria
- The group in a report alleged that the dirty petroleum products are blended, smuggled into Nigeria via Malta, and delivered from Russia
- The group also threatened to gather Nigerians to peacefully occupy petrol stations and jetties around the nation if the government does not act by Thursday, 29th
Legit.ng journalist Zainab Iwayemi has over 3-year-experience covering the Economy, Technology, and Capital Market.
The federal government and relevant authorities have been given a seven-day ultimatum by Nigeria Citizens' Watch for Good Governance to look into claims of the importation of dangerous fuel.
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In a statement released on Tuesday, August 27, the group claims that inferior petroleum products are being mixed, imported from Russia through Malta, and sent to Nigeria in violation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and at risk to the citizens' health.
Eshiofeh Collins, the group's national president, said there are serious health hazards associated with the suspected importation of toxic petrol, especially for those living in the Niger Delta. He said these dangers include respiratory ailments and shortened life expectancies.
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Vanguard reported that Collins also mentioned how poor fuel quality can harm car engines and make poverty worse.
The group is requesting that the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, and other pertinent agencies immediately look into the detrimental practices. The group noted that anyone found guilty must face the law.
The group also said in the event that the government fails to take action by Thursday, it would organise Nigerians to peacefully occupy filling stations and jetties across the country.
Eshiofeh said:
“These actions have severe consequences, including economic sabotage and significant environmental damage. The health risks are also alarming, with potential respiratory diseases and reduced life expectancy, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
“We demand immediate action. We call for a thorough investigation by the DSS, Police, and other relevant agencies into these harmful practices. Any individuals found guilty must face legal consequences.
“The company must be transparent and accountable regarding their business practices and compliance with regulatory standards. We issue a seven-day ultimatum, expiring on Thursday, for authorities to address these issues. Failure to act will compel us to mobilize Nigerians to peacefully occupy” the filling stations and jetties nationwide of the company.
Report exposes companies selling dirty fuel
Earlier, Legit.ng spotlighted the controversies surrounding the alleged importation of inferior petroleum products into Nigeria.
BusinessDay gained access to the confidential files, which described a complex scheme including the shipment of inferior petroleum gasoline from Russia to Malta for subsequent blending before shipping to Nigeria.
According to one of the documents that were leaked, Matrix Energy, a business that operates both upstream and downstream, has been bringing in low-grade petroleum products and mixing them with higher-grade fuel before selling them in Nigeria.
Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
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Source: Legit.ng
