The Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai has henceforth placed a ban on the hawking of Petroleum products in the state.
The Governor also empowered security agencies in the state through the order to arrest anybody caught hawking the product.
The ban by the state Governor is contained in a statement released by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Samuel Aruwan on Tuesday, April 5.
As contained in the statement, all filling stations in the state are no longer allowed to dispense petrol in Jerry cans. The decision, the statement pointed was part of the decisions taken during the State Security Council meeting held on Tuesday also.
The statement reads in part: “This law empowers the task force to ensure that petroleum product were sold in a safe manner, with stiff penalty on violators.
“Council based its decision on legal and security considerations, compounded by the environmental hazard petroleum products in Jerry cans can cause,
“The Security Council unanimously agreed to ban the sale and urged motorists to remain calm as government was taking measures to address the current scarcity.
“The state government is working with the NNPC and other agencies to reduce the hardship associated with the shortages of petroleum products.
“Council also observed that the unsafe handling of Petroleum products during periods like this has been associated with fires, destruction and fatal consequences for innocent victims.
“Council further warned those engaged in sabotage and illegal sale of petroleum products in the state to desist with immediate effect.
“The Security Council also directed the arrest and prosecution of those found violating the ban, and the outright confiscation of any petroleum product found in their possession,“ it added.
The directive also stated that the security agencies in the state hab been empowered to enforce the ban in accordance with the Kaduna State Petroleum Products (Anti-Hoarding and Adulteration) Law of 1992.