The House of Representatives, on Thursday, directed the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service to implement measures ensuring that only unexpired and standard gas cylinders and kits are imported into the country....Read Full Article >>➤
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved by Aderemi Oseni, the member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Oyo State, during plenary.
Leading the debate, the All Progressives Congress lawmaker expressed concern over the recurring gas explosions that have led to fatalities, injuries, and the destruction of properties worth billions of naira.
He attributed the crisis to the influx of expired cylinders and substandard gas kits, which entered the market due to lapses by SON and NCS personnel at the country’s ports and borders.
Oseni also called on the National Orientation Agency to launch a public awareness campaign on the dangers of purchasing substandard gas products.
“The House notes that the government has a responsibility to protect lives and regulate citizens’ activities through laws and guidelines. The House is also concerned about the persistent gas explosions across the country, which continue to claim lives, cause injuries, and destroy properties despite repeated calls for urgent intervention.
“The House is worried that experts have attributed these explosions to expired gas cylinders, substandard imported cylinders, tanks, and kits, as well as improperly fabricated local cylinders made with inferior materials.
“The House is further alarmed that beyond cooking gas, CNG-powered vehicles have also been involved in explosions. Some of these incidents have been linked to substandard and locally fabricated cylinders, produced by welders without the requisite technical expertise.
“The House is deeply concerned that in 2024 alone, over 100 casualties were recorded in various gas explosion incidents across Nigeria. The most recent case occurred in Port Harcourt on January 7, 2025, leaving 17 people injured,” he said.
Oseni stressed the need for stricter regulations and supervision by relevant agencies, as well as public enlightenment on the expiration dates and lifespan of gas cylinders.
To this end, the House directed SON and NCS to ensure that only standard, unexpired, and high-quality gas cylinders, tanks, trucks, and kits are permitted for importation.
Additionally, the House tasked the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority with ensuring that all gas plants and retail facilities are equipped with quality tanks and kits that meet safety standards.
The House also mandated its Committees on Gas and Safety Standards and Regulations to conduct a thorough investigation into the root causes of frequent gas explosions in Nigeria and recommend long-term solutions to address the problem. ...Read Full Article >>➤
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