The recent gas truck explosion in Ita-Oshin, Abeokuta, Ogun State, which tragically claimed a life and destroyed property, has prompted a swift response from the Nigerian federal government. Honorable Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), announced the government’s commitment to compensating victims during his assessment tour of the accident site this Wednesday.
Accompanied by Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Authority Chief Executive of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Minister Ekpo expressed profound concern over the incident. The visit included stops at the crash site, the headquarters of Gascon Marine Ltd—the company owning the ill-fated CNG truck—and locations where the wreckage and other affected vehicles were stored.
During his speech, Minister Ekpo emphasized the importance of safety and regulatory compliance as Nigeria transitions to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel source. “This accident raises serious concerns about the safety of CNG, which we are planning to adopt widely across Nigeria. We have vast gas resources, and it’s crucial that we leverage these in a safe, efficient manner,” he stated.
The minister highlighted the discovery of a cracked cylinder at the site, suggesting it might have been substandard and contributed to the severity of the explosion. This incident has sparked a broader discussion on safety standards and the need for rigorous checks before CNG cylinders are installed in vehicles.
“We are at a juncture where we must involve the Standards Organization of Nigeria and other regulators more actively to ensure that all materials used in our vehicles meet stringent safety criteria to prevent such disasters in the future,” Minister Ekpo added.
Furthermore, the minister outlined plans to minimize the transportation of gas by road, which is seen as a risky method given the volatility of gas. The AKK gas project is part of the government’s strategy to develop safer, more efficient means of gas transport and usage.
Ekpo also issued directives to NMDPRA regarding the issuance of new licenses, insisting that companies must demonstrate the capability to pipe gas directly to end-users, reducing the risks associated with road transport. “While we condole with all affected, our focus is on ensuring such an incident does not repeat. We will work closely with all stakeholders to shore up our safety protocols,” Minister Ekpo reaffirmed in a show of solidarity and assurance.
Additionally, Engineer Ahmed reaffirmed the regulatory body’s commitment to upholding safety standards in coordination with other governmental agencies. “Despite the setbacks such as this tragic incident, CNG remains a vital part of our national energy strategy. We must continue to advocate for and support the transition while enhancing our regulatory frameworks to ensure public safety,” Engineer Ahmed said.
Mr. Segun Ogunwunmi, the managing director of Gascon Marine Ltd., encouraged the authorities to speed up their probe and defended the safety record of his company. “Many important services, including hospitals and industries, depend on our operations. A prolonged shutdown can have major repercussions outside of our organization,” he begged.
