By Our Reporter
The House of Representatives directed the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to implement stringent measures ensuring that only safe, high-quality, and unexpired gas cylinders and kits are imported into Nigeria.
This decision came after the adoption of a motion by Hon. Aderemi Oseni, representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, who expressed grave concern over the rising frequency of gas explosions, which have led to numerous deaths, severe injuries, and substantial property damage.
Hon. Oseni, a member of the All Progressives Congress, highlighted that many of these explosions were linked to the influx of substandard and expired gas cylinders, tanks, and kits. He blamed the negligence of SON and Customs officials at Nigeria’s ports and borders for allowing these hazardous products into the country.
“The government’s responsibility is to protect citizens’ lives, and regulating the importation of safe gas products falls within that duty,” Oseni remarked. He underscored the alarming frequency of explosions, noting that both cooking gas cylinders and compressed natural gas (CNG)-converted vehicles were involved in many incidents. Some of these explosions were attributed to substandard cylinders fabricated locally without the proper technical expertise.
In 2024 alone, gas explosions in Nigeria claimed over 100 lives, with one of the most recent incidents occurring on January 7, 2025, in Port Harcourt, where 17 individuals were injured. Oseni also emphasized the need for public awareness, urging the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to spearhead a nationwide campaign to educate Nigerians on the dangers of purchasing substandard gas products.
The House has now tasked SON and NCS with ensuring that only safe, high-quality, and non-expired cylinders, tanks, and kits are allowed into the country. Additionally, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has been directed to enforce the use of standard equipment at gas plants and retail facilities.
To address the root causes of the recurring gas explosions, the House also instructed its Committees on Gas and Safety Standards to conduct an in-depth investigation and propose effective long-term solutions.
This resolution aims to prevent future incidents and protect the lives of Nigerian citizens from the dangers posed by substandard gas products.