The warning follows a deadly gas explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State, that claimed three lives on Friday night.
The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to unauthorised gas operators nationwide, following a gas explosion in the Biodun Alaadun area of Ona Ara, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday night, which left three people dead.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the incident as tragic and preventable, stressing that illegal gas retail operations will no longer be tolerated in the downstream sector.
Reports indicate that the explosion occurred while a tanker was discharging LPG into an illegal retail outlet, causing extensive damage to nearby homes, shops, and a church.
Ekpo offered his condolences to the victims’ families and urged residents to support the ongoing investigation by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
He emphasized that gas is safe when handled responsibly, and tragedies like this result from negligence, substandard equipment, and unlawful operations.
The Minister warned that the Federal Government will act decisively against illegal gas facilities, including shutting down unsafe sites, prosecuting offenders, and enforcing all safety regulations to protect lives and property.
“Illegal operators must immediately vacate the sector. The government will not hesitate to shut down unsafe sites and enforce safety regulations to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s gas sector,” Ekpo stated.
The incident remains under investigation, and authorities are calling on witnesses to provide information that could help prevent future occurrences.