The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated steps to regulate the indiscriminate sale of cooking gas across Kano metropolis, aiming to address the associated safety hazards.
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During a plenary session on Wednesday, the Assembly considered a proposal to amend the State Fire Service Directorate Edict No. 17 of 1970, introducing new provisions to control the sale of cooking gas.
The measure follows a report presented by the Standing Committee on Special Duties, which conducted an investigation into the proliferation of gas retailers in residential areas.
Abdullahi Yahaya, the committee chairman and representative of Gezawa constituency, revealed alarming statistics during the presentation.
“The Kano State Fire Service Directorate identified 475 illegal cooking gas premises after engaging with stakeholders across the state,” Yahaya said. He also disclosed that data from the Nigerian Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NRDPRA) indicated that 234 natural gas retailers in the state are operating without proper licenses.
The investigation was prompted by a motion moved by Hon. Tasiu Abubakar, the representative for Kiru constituency, who highlighted the dangers posed by the unregulated sale of cooking gas within the metropolis.