THE Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has said that petrol stations and factories located near residential areas would be sanctioned by the federal government, saying such establishments posed danger to public health.

Ngige stated this yesterday when he inspected the scene of the Christmas Eve gas plant explosion at the head office of Chicason Group of Companies in Nnewi, Anambra State, which claimed lives and property.

The minister expressed shock at the magnitude of damage at the site and emphasised that his ministry would ensure reasonable safety measures to forestall recurrence.

The minister expressed sympathy with Chicason Group and families of those who lost their loved ones in the inferno.
Ngige, who was received by the Managing Director of the firm, Chief Linus Ilozue, said his ministry would send Health Inspectors to certify the health safety environment of the establishment.

He directed the ministry officials to liaise with the management of Chicason and compile comprehensive information about the damage caused by the explosion to enable the federal government make an informed pronouncement on the incident.

He directed companies in the country to register with the National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), which he said had the backing of government in risk management and compensations.