The Cross River State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has called on the government to clamp down on illegal and substandard gas retail outlets in Calabar and other towns in the country.
The union insists that these outlets, especially those located within residential premises, pose very serious dangers to lives and properties.
The call was contained in a communique issued at the end of a congress held at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre Calabar yesterday.
Presided over by the state chairman of NUJ in the state, Comrade Archibong Bassey, the union expressed strong concern over the indiscriminate citing of the outlets within residential neighbourhoods across the state.
“The trend is dangerous and capable of exposing residents to avoidable risks,” the communique stressed.
NUJ stressed the need for proper urban planning and strict adherence to safety standards in line with regulatory provisions.
The union further referenced a recent fire outbreak linked to a gas facility in Calabar, which reportedly resulted in the hospitalisation of residents and the destruction of property worth millions of Naira.
It described the incident as unfortunate and preventable, underscoring the urgent need for stricter regulation of gas-related businesses.
