MINNA, Nigeria — On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State took a definitive stand for public safety, ordering the immediate revocation of the certificate of occupancy and subsequent demolition of a filling station located in Minna, the state capital.
The directive came after Governor Bago’s inspection of the facility situated along Ketaren Gwari, within the Minna metropolis.
This move follows earlier warnings the governor had given to the station owners to cease operations due to safety concerns.
“We have a report of the illegal structure, and I have asked the Urban Development Board to stop them from working, but they continued, so we revoked the C of O from today, and we will mark it for demolition,” Governor Bago said during his inspection.
The location of the filling station has raised significant public safety concerns due to its proximity to residential buildings.
The governor emphasized the potential hazard the station posed to local residents, condemning the continuation of work in spite of the stop order.
“It’s uncalled for in the midst of people, it’s hazardous to their lives, and it’s not acceptable,” said Bago, firmly underscoring the need for regulations that safeguard the public.
The issue of unsafe locations for petrol stations has been a recurring problem in some parts of Nigeria, often leading to accidents and posing risks to nearby residents.
The decision by Governor Bago sets a precedent that could encourage stricter adherence to urban planning regulations and more robust enforcement against illegal and potentially dangerous structures.
It remains to be seen whether this firm stance on public safety and adherence to city planning laws will trigger a broader reform in the establishment of filling stations across Nigeria.
This action by Governor Bago is likely to be closely watched by other state governors and city planners across the country, as the balance between economic growth and public safety continues to be a vital issue in urban development strategies nationwide.
