Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has directed the immediate closure of all illegal gas stations and retail outlets in the state.
The directive was contained in a statement on Wednesday by the Special Assistant on Media to Governor Umahi, Francis Nwaze.
Mr Nwaze stated that the measure was taken to forestall fire outbreaks during the dry season.
“The move is to ensure that the state’s health safety and environmental regulations conform with national and international best oil and gas field practices,” he said.
“All gas stations must co-operate with the approval of the Abakaliki Capital Territory and Development Board and Department of Petroleum Resources on the issue.
“Defaulters of this directive will be penalised in accordance with the laws of the state and shall pay approved penalties.”
Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State took same move following a gas explosion at Sabon Tasha, Kaduna on January 4.
