The newly appointed Operations Controller, Ilorin field office of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Salvation Ngazodo, has read a riot act to petroleum marketers in Kwara State to desist from various illegal activities that could lead to economic loss in Nigeria.

While addressing the stakeholders at an interactive forum on Monday, Mr Ngazodo warned against illegal construction of filling stations, diversion of fuel, hoarding and overpricing of fuel among other illegal practices.

In his address, Mr Ngazodo explained that since the oil industry was facing some hard times, there was the need for strategic reasoning and cooperation for its survival.

He stressed that he had the mandate and mission to enthrone high regulatory standards for the sustenance and growth of the industry.

The DPR boss also condemned product adulteration and discharge of product without proper documentation, warning that the full wrath of the law would be visited on offenders.

The Representative of the State Fire Service and the Depot Manager of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Ilorin, Abdullah Ayinla, also supported the DPR boss, stating that the change mantra in the country should be reflected in the state.

The Secretary of the Kwara State Town Planning Authority, Raheem Adeoti, also condemned the indiscriminate purchase of buildings to construct filling stations and expressed the readiness of the agency to effect the necessary corrections.

Reacting in an interview, the State Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association, Okanlawon Olanrewaju, agreed that some nonmembers indeed construct illegal filling stations.

He called for joint sanctions to correct the situations.

It is expected that the DPR and petroleum marketers would cooperate to correct the ills in the oil industry in the state, for the benefit of the people. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Filling Station.