The Federal Government, in collaboration with private sector stakeholders, is intensifying efforts to address the growing threat of gas explosions at industrial sites and in domestic environments across Nigeria.
Speaking on Tuesday at a gas safety conference organised by Fleissen in Abuja, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, represented by a ministry official, stressed the critical importance of safety in Nigeria’s gas industry.
He outlined the administration’s commitment to leveraging natural gas for sustainable energy use, particularly through the Nigerian Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP). Ekpo’s leadership, he noted, has underscored environmental responsibility, as demonstrated by Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to eliminate routine gas flaring in partnership with TotalEnergies.
He further stated that the government’s campaign to promote domestic LPG adoption has the potential to drive down prices and expand access to clean and efficient energy for millions of Nigerians.
The minister’s representative reaffirmed that Ekpo’s policies are firmly rooted in ensuring both safety and sustainability within the country’s evolving gas sector.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, represented by Engr. Emmanuel Akinyemi, noted that the Commission has introduced safety case guidelines for oil and gas facilities to ensure that operations are conducted in a responsible and secure manner.
“These guidelines focus on risk management, requiring operators to identify potential hazards, assess associated risks, and apply preventive controls,” Akinyemi explained.
He added, “We are not just regulators who issue sanctions. We provide guidance and set clear criteria that operators must meet to attain safety certification.”
According to him, operators are required to submit a comprehensive Safety Case document, which details their safety management systems, risk evaluations, and emergency response strategies.
He stressed the need for continued collaboration among all stakeholders, including regulators, operators, and local communities, to guarantee the responsible development of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.
President of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Dr Udenzi Stephen, also addressed the gathering, stating that the organisation is working with relevant government agencies to standardise safety practices across the country.
Dr Udenzi recommended that safety training be incorporated into Nigeria’s formal education curriculum to ensure that future generations have foundational knowledge of critical safety protocols.
He raised concerns about the indiscriminate siting of gas stations, particularly within residential areas.
“I’ve seen gas stations built right next to homes, which is extremely dangerous. One accident in such a setting could lead to mass casualties and the destruction of property,” he said.
Dr Udenzi asserted that ISPON is deeply committed to preventing further loss of life from gas explosions.
“As safety professionals, we’re tired of watching Nigerians die avoidable deaths. Gas station licences should only be granted to applicants who hold certified safety credentials,” he declared.
The conference concluded with a shared resolution to enhance safety standards in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector through regulatory reform, stakeholder education, and stricter enforcement of licensing requirements.
