DPR bans hawking in filling stations in Zamfara

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has banned hawking in and around petrol stations in Zamfara, saying it is risky to the public.

The ban was slammed by the Zonal Controller of Operations of the department in Kaduna zone, Mr Isa Wakili in Gusau on Thursday.

Wakili told newsmen that “the ban has become necessary because filling stations in Zamfara now look like market places where one can buy anything from food to textile wears.

“Petrol stations are places laden with flammable oil and gas that can trigger fire from any little avoidable mistake and we cannot allow people who have no direct business to come into the station because such fire accidents can emanate from such intruders.”

He explained that “in this period of security challenges, there should be extra care in watching who comes in or goes out of filling stations to ensure the protection of public lives and property.”

He pointed out that the presence of children and women selling different wares at the stations posed serious threat which could be avoided through the ban.

He urged managers of the stations to be guided by safety measures guiding their operations to avoid accidents.