The House of Representatives has directed the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to enforce strict regulations ensuring that only unexpired and high-quality gas cylinders and kits are imported into the country. This move follows growing concerns over the rising number of gas explosions, which have led to numerous deaths, injuries, and extensive property damage.
The resolution came after Aderemi Oseni, the representative for Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, raised a motion addressing the issue. Oseni, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), highlighted the alarming frequency of gas explosions and linked them to the influx of expired and substandard gas cylinders entering the market due to lapses by SON and Customs officials at the nation’s ports and borders.
Oseni pointed out that in 2024 alone, over 100 lives were lost to gas explosions, with the most recent incident occurring on January 7, 2025, in Port Harcourt, where 17 individuals were injured. He identified the use of expired and low-quality gas cylinders and kits as a major cause of these explosions. The motion also noted that the danger extends beyond domestic gas cylinders, highlighting incidents involving compressed natural gas (CNG)-converted vehicles, which have also exploded due to the use of substandard locally fabricated cylinders.
Oseni emphasized that it is the government’s responsibility to protect citizens’ lives and regulate gas products to prevent these deadly incidents. To address the crisis, the House urged the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to launch a nationwide public awareness campaign educating Nigerians about the dangers of purchasing substandard gas products.
The House also tasked the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) with ensuring that gas plants and retail facilities use only standard tanks and kits in their operations.
In addition to enforcing stricter regulations, the House directed the Committees on Gas and Safety Standards and Regulations to conduct a thorough investigation into the root causes of the persistent gas explosions. The committees are expected to recommend long-term solutions to prevent further explosions and safeguard public safety.
This resolution marks a significant step in addressing the gas explosion crisis in Nigeria, with the aim of ensuring that only safe, high-quality gas cylinders and kits enter the market.
