… Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum to Companies With Explosives
GOVERNOR Seyi Makinde has signed into law, an Executive Order 001, 2024 on the handling and storage of harmful substances in the state.
Apparently as part of efforts to avoid potential disasters, the new law comes two weeks after an explosion rocked Ibadan, the state capital on January 16. Five Lost persons their lives while 77 others sustained various degrees of injury in the Adeyi area of Old Bodija, Ibadan. More than 50 houses were also destroyed.
“Failure to comply with the provisions of this Executive Order, including the doing of any act with respect to, or omission to take proper precautions against any probable danger from any explosive in possession of any person, shall constitute an offence and shall be punishable under Chapter 38 of the Criminal Code Law, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000 and any other applicable Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Makinde said.
Makinde stated that it was necessary to strengthen the existing regulatory framework connected with the handling of harmful substances as he expressed optimism that the new law would prevent a recurrence of the January 16 explosion.
He declared, “Pursuant to Sections 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and all other laws and enabling powers in that regard I, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde (FNSE), the Executive Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, hereby makes the following order:
“All individuals resident in, and companies operating within Oyo State, in possession of (directly, indirectly or constructively by virtue of company directorship) harmful articles or substances of any kind (i.e., that can be detonated by pressure, heat, impact trigger, fuse, proximity, timing-device, remote control or howsoever), irrespective of quantity or purpose, or hazard characteristics, are hereby mandated to immediately notify the Special Adviser to the Governor of Oyo State on Security of such possession.
“Notification in paragraph 1 above, in respect of such substances already in possession as at the effective date of this order, shall be made within 72 hours of the effective date of this order, and subsequently, not later than 24 hours upon coming in possession of any such substances; and must include a comprehensive inventory detailing: the type, quantity, and precise location of all such substances possessed; the purpose of possession and any relevant licences or permits held; and security measures currently in place for storage and handling.”