Following a recent social media report concerning Edo State Government officials, who were on official assignment to enforce compliance with environmental safety regulations within the Benin City metropolis, we find it necessary to bring to public notice that one of the affected businesses for non-compliance, a cooking gas sales outlet, owned by Barr. Nosa Ogieva Okunbor, a chieftain of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, along Akenzua Street, Benin City has visited the Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development (MPPHURD) with some necessary documents towards resolving the pending matter of environmental safety compliance.
Officials of Edo State Government, who were on a further on-the-spot assessment of the business premises have since granted temporary reopening of the sealed outlet with a demand to have other compliance requests resolved within the period of 90 days.
In keeping with overriding public interest, the Edo State Government shall continue to attend to all matters of public safety and enforcement of safety regulations with utmost speed and sincerity to forestall possible disaster affecting lives and property.
Again, as a responsible government, we cannot afford to be partisan or sentimental with matters of public safety in recognition of the colossal damage official negligence can warrant.
However, the government in its drive to keep encouraging business activities, while vigorously promoting the ease of doing business policy within the state, remains duty-bound to timeously resolving all factors hindering business interests and growth, without overlooking negative environmental and social impacts.
Signed:
Chris Osa Nehikhare
Hon. Commissioner For Communication and Orientation.
