Explosions: Ogun issues temporary ban on sale of industrial gas

The Ogun government has temporarily banned the sale of industrial gas following recent explosions in the state.

Two persons were reportedly injured on Friday morning as a gas explosion occurred at Onikoko area of Abeokuta, the Ogun capital.

On Thursday, a gas explosion occurred at the Olusegun Obasanjo presidential library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, killing one person.

Less than than 48 hours before the OOPL incident, a gas explosion rocked the Conference Hotel opposite the library, claiming two lives.

On May 12, three people, including an infant, were killed, while others sustained injuries, following a gas explosion that occurred in another area of the state capital.

Speaking during a stakeholders meeting in Abeokuta on Friday, Femi Ogunbanwo, the state commissioner for special duties and intergovernmental affairs, said all major stakeholders in the gas sector are expected to abide by the directive.

“Anyone found guilty of selling adulterated gas products or violating safety protocols would have the full weight of the law to contend with,” he added.

He added that Dapo Abiodun, the state governor, has been in consultations with the federal authorities, relevant agencies, and the police to investigate and bring to book whoever is found guilty of sharp practices or negligence that could cause further occurrence.

Also speaking, Ola Oresanya, special adviser to the governor on environment, described the incidents as an ugly development which must be nipped in the bud.

Earlier, a team consisting of Ogunbanwo, Oresanya, Rasaki Ojetola, permanent secretary, ministry of environment, and other government officials had visited different sites of the explosions and some gas plant outlets.

During the visits, two plants in Omida and Idi-Ori in Abeokuta metropolis were sealed off.

In October 2020, following incidents of gas explosions across the country, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), released new guidelines for the establishment and operations of downstream gas facilities across the country.