DPR seizes two illegal oil factories in Lagos

……arrest six culprit at Marina factory

The Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, in its oversight function, yesterday apprehended two illegal engine oil manufacturing factories in Ikugbayi Street, Marine Bridge and  Raji Rasak Estate, FESTAC Town in Lagos. 

This, however, is in a bid to clamp down on irregularities surrounding the petroleum industries regarding much cries over dire extortion ranging from under-dispensing and adulteration of petroleum product across the country.

According to DPR team, led by Mrs Sholabi Olanrewaju, Manager, Engineering and Standards Unit under Operation, the activities was uncovered during a routine inspection and monitoring in the state.

It stated that, “We visited these places with Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and met some men actually dispensing the base oil, and from our investigation, they are actually retailing ordinary base oil without addictive into a container of a well known brand like Total.

“This is an illegal operation, the environment is unsafe and they are licensed to brand base oil.”

Meanwhile, Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, led by  CSC Ajayi Olaleye, arrested six workers from the factory at Marine Bridge, while no arrest was made in FASTAC Town as operatives of the DPR had securities parading the facility pending arrest of its operatives.

Olarenwaju, earlier stated that the department would ensure that they get at those illegal lubricants in Lagos metropolis, adding that before anybody could engage in petroleum product business in Nigeria, such person must be licensed by the DPR.

Speaking also, Manager, Retail Outlet and Marketing Department, DPR, Mr Okechukwu Okoro, maintained that clamp down 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.

“So, we have inspect for ourselves to ascertain the authenticity of our report and we have found this to be real. Many people who supply diesel at home were giving adulterated diesel.”

He however urged that “People should be wary of where they get their product from, they should ensure that they get from right source because these people mix other products in the name of diesel.”

Kehinde Atande, one of the arrested workers exonerated self, saying that he brought oil with water to filter when he was arrested.