Abia Lawmaker Raises Concern Over Proliferation of Petrol Stations in Residential and Market Areas

A member of the Abia State House of Assembly, representing Ukwa East State Constituency, Lewis Obianyi, has formally raised a motion addressing the pressing need for the Abia State government to regulate and restrict the establishment of petrol filling stations in close proximity to residential neighborhoods and market environments.

Speaking passionately during a House plenary session, Obianyi emphasized that the fundamental duty of any responsible government is to ensure the safety and protection of lives and property of its citizens. He criticized the uncontrolled establishment of fuel stations near private homes, local markets, educational institutions, and other public spaces, highlighting the severe threat they pose to public safety, particularly in the unfortunate event of a fuel-related explosion.

Obianyi drew attention to the highly combustible nature of petroleum products, noting that past incidents involving filling stations have led to tragic outcomes, including the loss of lives, destruction of properties, and in some cases, victims being left with permanent disabilities. He further alleged that numerous filling stations across different parts of Abia State are operating without adherence to environmental and fire safety protocols, a situation that poses continuous danger to residents.

According to Obianyi, some existing petrol stations are currently sited in violation of the minimum regulatory distances stipulated by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), as well as the broader environmental protection laws of Nigeria. These guidelines are designed to ensure a safe buffer between fuel stations and densely populated or sensitive areas, but many operators have blatantly disregarded these rules.

“If urgent interventions are not made to curb this dangerous trend, our people will remain under the persistent threat of fire outbreaks, environmental pollution, and numerous health hazards,” Obianyi warned. He stressed the need for the state to act swiftly to safeguard the health and safety of its citizens.

Consequently, Obianyi appealed to the House to press upon the State Ministry of Environment to impose a temporary halt (moratorium) on the issuance of approvals for new petrol stations in residential and market areas. He also urged for a comprehensive review of the existing fuel stations, to assess compliance with established environmental and safety standards.

In his ruling, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, commended the motion and, after listening to various contributions from other lawmakers, approved all the prayers submitted by Obianyi. Additionally, he encouraged Obianyi to take further steps by drafting the motion into a formal bill, which could ensure a more legally binding framework for regulating the siting of petrol stations in the state.