A non-governmental and civic-tech organisation, Urban Alert, has expressed concern regarding the construction of filling stations on lands that share boundaries with residential areas in Osun State.
According to Urban Alert, there have been multiple complaints from concerned residents regarding the ongoing filling station construction on a parcel of land that shares a boundary with residential apartments at White House Junction, Osogbo-Gbongan Road, Owode-Ede.
Checks by OSUN DEFENDER also revealed that construction of another filling station is ongoing at Oke-Awere, Owode-Ede.
According to the organisation, between March 2023 and January 2025, over 305 lives were lost and more than 227 people were injured due to fuel tanker explosions in Nigeria.
In a letter dated June 10, 2025, and addressed to the Osun State Government Ministries of Lands, Environment, Fire Service, CTDA and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to act, Urban Alert called for the urgent assessment of the sites.
They wrote, “We received multiple complaints from concerned residents regarding then ongoing filling station construction on a parcel of land which shares a boundary with residential apartments at White House Junction, close to Eleja-Tutu bustop, Osogbo-Gbongan road, Owode-Ede, Osun State. The proximity of the filling (under construction) to residential buildings raises serious concern about the public safety, risk of fire, explosion and toxic emissions.
“Environmental impact, particularly ground water contamination from fuel storage tanks and traffic congestion and reduced pedestrian safety. In the light of these concerns, we request your urgent intervention to conduct an immediate inspection and risk assessment of the site.
“Investigate and verify the approvals granted for this petrol filling station in accordance with planning, environmental and safety standards.
“Suspend any ongoing construction activities pending the outcome of your investigation and take urgent corrective actions to protect public health and safety.
“We cannot continue to expose citizens and our environment to avoidable hazards that could cost us our lives and properties.”
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