FCT bans discharging of fuel during the day, fixes fine for violation

Julius Opetunsi, the Acting Controller of the FCT Fire Service, has warned that any filling station found discharging fuel during the day time would be sealed and fined a minimum of N500,000.
Opetunsi gave the warning on Wednesday in Abuja in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
He said the imposition of the fine was meant to curb fire outbreaks in the territory, especially in volatile areas like filling stations.
He said: “We have held series of meetings with owners of filling stations in the territory on the risk in discharging fuel during the day time, especially during the dry season.
“Any little spark can lead to fire outbreak, which may affect the filling station, vehicles within and other nearby properties.
“Erring filling stations risk fine of N500,000 or sealing of such places.
“If somebody chooses to be a nuisance, then we will give such the best treatment.”
Opetunsi said the recent fire outbreak at NNPC Mega filling station, Wuse, recorded no loss of life because of the quick intervention of the fire service and cool night weather.
The fire service boss said the agency had been sensitising the public through various media outlets, including public sensitization public and handbills.
He commended the leadership of FCT administration for the support given to the service since its establishment 14 years ago.
Opetunsi called on the residents of the territory to always contact the agency for necessary approval when erecting buildings.
The controller urged the residents to call the attention of the service whenever there was fire outbreak.
He said: “National fire safety code has been approved and we have started the enforcement.
“We need to ascertain that premises are safe for inhabitants and visitors.
“Refusal to adhere to the national fire safety code may attract fine or sealing of such properties.
“Sanctions may not be necessary if the property owners or managers comply with the safety rules or make amendments within specified period after previous inspection.”
NAN.