Member representing Urue Offong Oruko State constituency in the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Precious Selong, has called for legislation to regulate the location of Liquefied Petroleum Gas sales and vending outlets in the state.
Selong presented a motion on the floor of the house during yesterday’s plenary, expressing concern over the proliferation of cooking gas sales outlets and unauthorized transfer of LPG in residential areas, lock-up shops, and roadsides by vendors.
She emphasized, “There is a need for regulating the location of sales outlets to ensure operators follow necessary safety measures regarding storage, discharge, and vending processes within approved locations.”
Selong also highlighted the risk of gas explosions and fire outbreaks due to non-compliance with safety and environmental guidelines, which have led to loss of lives and property in the past.
The Speaker, Elder Udeme Otong, directed the House Committee on Petroleum to, “Engage with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and other relevant agencies on the operations of LPG sales outlets and facilities and report back to the House within one month.”
In a separate development, the House received a message from Governor Umo Eno seeking legislation on the Value Added Tax Bill in the state. The message was read by the Clerk of the House, Mrs. NsikakAbasi Orok, and the House assured that the Bill would be read on Tuesday, September 17, the adjourned date for the next plenary.
