The Commissioner for Physical Planning, Housing, Urban, and Regional Development, Isoken Omo, made this announcement during a meeting held at the Government House in Benin City. The meeting involved owners of petrol and gas stations and other stakeholders in the oil and gas industry of the state.
This initiative aligns with the implementation of the Benin City Masterplan and the state's Regional Development Plan. The government aims to address the issue of indiscriminate operation of oil and gas stations in the state. Many operators have been erecting facilities in unauthorized locations, often due to a lack of proper advice from professionals.
Isoken Omo clarified the purpose of the stakeholders' engagement, stating, "This is to ensure that professionals in the built environment understand their responsibilities and agree on the way forward regarding the proliferation of gas and petrol stations in Benin City." The city currently has over 700 petrol and gas stations, with owners agitating for more approvals.
She emphasised the significance of public acceptance and monitoring of the master plan to ensure successful implementation. As part of the recertification exercise, all petrol and gas stations in Edo State will undergo evaluation, and those lacking proper approval will be addressed separately.
The recertification process aligns with the ongoing development of the physical masterplan for Benin, which commenced in May 2021 and is scheduled for completion in August 2023. The plan aims to control the unregulated growth of petrol and gas stations, some of which have been constructed in residential areas, posing associated hazards.
Isoken Omo assured that the government would work closely with various bodies in the gas and petroleum business, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Fire Service, to ensure safety and adherence to regulatory standards in the sector.
The Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Edo State Chapter, Alhaji Abdulhameed Baba-Saliu, commended the government's initiative to restore order and sanity to the oil and gas industry. However, he appealed for adequate compensation for those affected by the exercise.