By Hobnob News
In a decisive move to curb the rising incidents of gas explosions in Nigeria, the House of Representatives has directed the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to take immediate action in preventing the importation and circulation of substandard and expired gas cylinders and kits.
This resolution came following a motion presented by Hon. Aderemi Oseni, the representative of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Oseni expressed grave concerns over the alarming rate of gas-related explosions, which have led to numerous fatalities, severe injuries, and massive destruction of property worth billions of naira.
The Threat of Substandard Gas Cylinders
According to Oseni, a major contributing factor to these recurrent explosions is the influx of expired and low-quality gas cylinders and kits, which continue to flood the Nigerian market due to lapses in regulatory oversight. He accused SON and Customs officials of negligence in their duty to enforce quality standards at the country’s borders and ports.
To combat this issue, he urged the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to embark on an extensive nationwide awareness campaign to educate Nigerians on the dangers of using substandard gas products.
“The House notes that it is the responsibility of the government to protect the lives of citizens and to regulate their affairs through laws and guidelines,” Oseni stated while presenting his motion before the House.
Rising Cases of Gas Explosions
The lawmaker drew attention to the increasing cases of gas explosions in urban centers across Nigeria. Despite multiple warnings and past interventions, the problem has persisted, causing loss of lives and property.
Experts have attributed these explosions to several factors, including expired gas cylinders, the importation of substandard tanks and kits, and the use of locally fabricated cylinders made from inferior materials. The situation has been further worsened by a lack of stringent monitoring and enforcement by regulatory bodies.
Oseni also highlighted that the danger is not limited to cooking gas alone. He revealed that vehicles converted to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) have also been involved in fatal explosions due to the use of poorly fabricated cylinders.
“The House is also worried that aside from cooking gas, CNG-converted vehicles have also joined the explosion queue. It has been reported that some CNG-powered vehicles that exploded were attributed to substandard and locally fabricated cylinders by welders without the requisite professional know-how,” he emphasized.
Tragic Toll of Gas Explosions in 2024
According to Oseni, gas explosions in Nigeria have already claimed over 100 lives in 2024 alone. One of the most recent incidents occurred on January 7, 2025, in Port Harcourt, where 17 people sustained varying degrees of injuries. These tragic events highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive and proactive approach to regulating gas-related equipment in the country.
Legislative Directives to Regulatory Agencies
To address this pressing issue, the House of Representatives has mandated SON and NCS to enforce stricter quality control measures, ensuring that only high-quality, non-expired gas cylinders, tanks, trucks, and kits are permitted into the country. The lawmakers also directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to ensure that all gas plants and retailing facilities comply with safety standards by using only certified tanks and kits.
Additionally, the House has assigned its Committees on Gas and Safety Standards and Regulations to conduct a thorough investigation into the root causes of the recurrent gas explosions. The committee is expected to present findings and propose long-term solutions to mitigate further occurrences.
Way Forward
The House of Representatives’ proactive stance signals a crucial step toward ensuring that Nigerians are protected from the hazards posed by substandard gas cylinders and related equipment. With strict enforcement of quality standards and increased public awareness, the frequency of gas explosions can be significantly reduced.
As stakeholders, including government agencies, manufacturers, importers, and consumers, take responsibility, the nation can look forward to a safer environment free from the avoidable tragedies caused by gas explosions.
