Reps demand action against substandard cylinders to curb explosions
The House of Representatives has directed the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service to implement strict measures ensuring that only unexpired and high-quality gas cylinders and kits are imported into the country.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Aderemi Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State.
Oseni, a member of the All Progressives Congress, expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of gas explosions, which have resulted in multiple deaths, severe injuries, and the destruction of property worth billions of naira.
He attributed the frequent explosions to the influx of expired and substandard gas cylinders and kits, which continue to enter the market due to the negligence of SON and Customs officials at the nation’s ports and borders.
To address this, he called on the National Orientation Agency to launch a nationwide campaign to educate Nigerians on the dangers of purchasing substandard gas products.
“The House notes that it is the responsibility of the government to protect the lives of citizens and to regulate their affairs through laws and guidelines,” Oseni said.
He further highlighted the alarming frequency of gas explosions across Nigerian cities despite repeated calls for urgent intervention.
“The House is worried that experts have attributed the causes of the explosions to factors like expired gas cylinders, importation and use of substandard cylinders, tanks, and kits, and the use of improperly locally fabricated cylinders with inferior materials,” he stated.
Oseni also pointed out that the danger extends beyond cooking gas, noting that compressed natural gas (CNG)-converted vehicles have also been involved in explosions due to the use of substandard locally fabricated cylinders.
“The House is also worried that aside from cooking gas, CNG-converted vehicles have also joined the explosion queue. It has been reported that some CNG-powered vehicles that exploded were attributed to substandard and locally fabricated cylinders by welders without the requisite professional know-how,” he added.
He lamented that in 2024 alone, gas explosions in Nigeria had claimed over 100 lives. He referenced the most recent incident in Port Harcourt on January 7, 2025, where 17 people sustained varying degrees of injuries.
To address the menace, the House tasked SON and NCS with ensuring that only quality and non-expired gas cylinders, tanks, trucks, and kits are allowed into the country.
Additionally, the lawmakers directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to ensure that all gas plants and retailing facilities use only standard tanks and kits in their operations.
The House also mandated its Committees on Gas and Safety Standards and Regulations to conduct a thorough investigation into the root causes of the persistent gas explosions and recommend lasting solutions to prevent further occurrences.
