Ibadan Explosion: FG Orders Immediate Shutdown Of Illegal Gas Operations Nationwide

The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to all unauthorised gas retail operators, directing them to immediately vacate the sector following a deadly gas explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, condemned the incident, which occurred on Friday night in the Biodun Alaadun area of Ona Ara Local Government, leaving three people dead. Authorities say the explosion happened while a tanker was offloading gas into an illegal retail facility.

Ekpo, in a statement, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and described the explosion as a preventable tragedy caused by unlawful and unsafe operations.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the explosion occurred while a gas tanker was offloading LPG into a 2.5MT illegal skid situated within a densely populated neighbourhood,” he said, noting the extensive damage to nearby homes, shops, and a church.

He stressed that while gas is safe when properly handled, negligence, substandard equipment, and failure to obtain required licenses continue to fuel such disasters.

The minister disclosed that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has opened a full investigation into the explosion and urged residents to support the inquiry.

He warned that the Federal Government will enforce strict compliance going forward.

“Illegal operators must immediately vacate the sector. The Federal Government will not hesitate to shut down unsafe sites, prosecute offenders, and enforce all safety regulations to protect lives, property, and public confidence in Nigeria’s gas sector,” Ekpo stated.