The Federal Government has announced that it will cease granting licenses to gas companies that lack the capability to construct pipelines for gas distribution.
This decision comes in the wake of a tragic gas explosion in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, which resulted in the loss of life.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, addressed the incident, stating, “There was the need to stop virtual gas transportation, saying the Federal Government was putting efforts in top gear to build pipelines for seamless transmission of CNG.”
Ekpo, who was sent by President Bola Tinubu to investigate the root cause of the incident, expressed sympathy for the people of Ogun State. He also stressed the importance of companies using quality cylinders for gas distribution to prevent similar incidents.
The Minister further emphasised the government’s efforts to develop gas pipeline infrastructure to reduce the reliance on virtual gas transportation. He stated, “As a ministry, we are looking at hw we can reduce a lot of virtual conveyance of gas. That is why we are putting much in developing the gas pipeline infrastructure so that the transportation would not be virtual, but rather through the pipelines.”
Despite the recent tragedy, Ekpo encouraged the public not to be discouraged, emphasising the benefits of using compressed natural gas as an alternative to petrol. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring the roadworthiness of vehicles involved in gas transportation.
In response to the incident, the National Gas Transportation and Storage Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) assured Nigerians that it is collaborating with relevant agencies to prevent similar accidents.
The agency’s boss, Ahmed, stated that training programs are being organized for truck drivers to enhance safety on the roads and emphasized the importance of vehicle roadworthiness.
