The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has issued a strong warning against unauthorized gas retail operations across the country, stating that the Federal Government will not hesitate to clamp down on offenders.
His remarks followed the deadly gas explosion on Friday night in the Biodun Alaadun area of Ona Ara Local Government Area of Ibadan, Oyo State, where three persons were confirmed dead after a tanker exploded while discharging liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) into a retail outlet.
Reacting to the tragedy, Ekpo expressed condolences to the families of the victims and described the incident as avoidable.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic gas explosion that occurred on Friday, 21 November 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. My heartfelt condolences go to the Government and people of Oyo State, especially the families who lost loved ones and those who sustained injuries,” he said.
The minister explained that preliminary findings showed the tanker was offloading LPG into a 2.5MT illegal skid located in a densely populated area, which led to extensive damage to homes, shops, and a church.
“This incident was needless and entirely preventable. It is unacceptable for anyone to endanger lives by operating illegal gas facilities or engaging in unsafe practices,” Ekpo stressed.
He noted that while cooking gas is safe, negligence, substandard equipment, and the failure to secure appropriate operational licenses remain major causes of explosions and related disasters.
According to Ekpo, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has already commenced a full investigation, with the Federal Government determined to enforce strict compliance.
He urged eyewitnesses and residents to cooperate with investigators and warned that illegal operators would be shut down and prosecuted.
“Let me be clear: 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,” he said.
