In a bid to stem the incessant cases of gas explosions in the country, the House of Representatives has called on the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to ensure that only standard and unexpired gas cylinders and kits are imported into the country.
This resolution was passed following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Aderemi Oseni, who sought the House’s intervention.
In his lead debate, Hon. Oseni expressed deep concern over the recurring gas explosions, which have led to the deaths of hundreds of Nigerians, injuries, and the loss of properties worth billions of naira. He blamed these incidents on the influx of expired cylinders and substandard gas kits entering the market due to negligence by SON personnel and NCS officials at the nation’s ports and borders.
Hon. Oseni also called on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify sensitisation programs about the dangers of buying substandard products. He urged relevant agencies to create more awareness to address the situation.
He stated, “The House notes that it is the responsibility of government to protect the lives of citizens and regulate their affairs through laws and guidelines. The House also notes that gas explosions in various cities have continued unabated, with the attendant loss of lives, injuries, and properties, despite calls for urgent action.”
“The House is concerned that experts have attributed these explosions to factors such as expired gas cylinders, the importation and use of substandard cylinders, tanks, and kits, and the use of improperly fabricated cylinders made from inferior materials.”
“We are also worried that CNG-powered vehicles have joined the list of explosion victims. Reports indicate that some of these vehicles exploded due to substandard and locally fabricated cylinders welded without the requisite professional knowledge.”
“The House is alarmed that in 2024 alone, over 100 people were casualties of various gas explosion incidents in Nigeria, with the most recent being in Port Harcourt on January 7, 2025, where 17 individuals sustained injuries.”
“The House acknowledges the urgent need for stricter regulations and supervision by the relevant regulatory agencies, as well as the need for better public awareness regarding the expiration dates and lifetime of gas cylinders.”
“The House believes that SON must ensure that only quality and standard gas cylinders, tanks, and kits are imported and available for sale in the Nigerian market.”
In response, the House has tasked SON and NCS to ensure that only standard, unexpired, and high-quality gas cylinders, tanks, trucks, and kits are allowed into the country.
Additionally, the House has called on NOA, in collaboration with SON, to embark on widespread sensitization and enlightenment campaigns to educate the public on how to identify expired cylinders and the dangers of using substandard gas tanks and kits.
The lawmakers also called on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to ensure that all gas plants and retail facilities are constructed using quality and standard tanks and kits.
Furthermore, the House has mandated its Committee on Gas to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of the frequent gas explosions in Nigeria and recommend lasting solutions to prevent future occurrences. The Committee on Legislative Compliance has also been tasked with ensuring compliance and will report back within six weeks.
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