The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) on Wednesday,uncovered two illegal engine oil manufacturing factories located at Ikugbayi Street, Marine Bridge and Raji Rasaki Estate, FESTAC Town, Lagos, during an operation done in conjunction with operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Six workers were arrested at the first factory at Marine Bridge, while no arrest was made in FESTAC Town. The DPR team, led by Mrs Solabi Olanrewaju, Manager, Engineering and Standards Unit, told newsmen that they discovered the factory during a routine inspection and monitoring in the state.
She stated that: “We visited these places with NSCDC and met some men actually dispensing the base oil.From our investigation, they are actually retailing ordinary base oil without addictive into a container of a well known brand.
“This is an illegal operation; the environment is unsafe and they are not licensed to brand base oil,” she said.
Olanrewaju said that the department would ensure those engaged in such illegal business in Lagos metropolis were dislodged. She also explained that anybody who wanted to engage in petroleum product business in Nigeria must be licensed by the DPR.
Also, Mr Okechukwu Okoro, Manager, Retail Outlet and Marketing Department, DPR, told newsmen after the exercise that the clampdown was as a result of series of complaints from the public.
Okoro said that the department discovered that there was high adulteration of diesel in the market.
He stated: “So, we have come to see if it is true and we have found out this to be real.People should be wary of where they get their product from; they should ensure that they get it from the right source because these people mix other products in the name of diesel.”
(NAN)
