FG Warns against Illegal Gas Operations, Consoles Ibadan Explosion Victims

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has expressed sorrow over the gas explosion that occurred on Friday, 21 November 2025, in Ona Ara Local Government Area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Preliminary reports, he said, indicate that the blast occurred while a gas tanker was offloading Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) into a 2.5MT illegal skid situated within a densely populated neighbourhood, resulting in extensive damage to nearby homes, shops, and a church.

The minister extended his condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, especially to the families of the confirmed fatalities, as well as to the many injured, a statement by his spokesman, Louis Ibah, stated.

Ekpo described the incident as tragic, needless, and entirely preventable, stressing that illegal facilities and unsafe practices pose unacceptable risks to communities. He added that no operator has the right to endanger public safety by cutting corners or setting up unapproved gas sites.

He assured that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has begun a full investigation and urged residents and eyewitnesses to cooperate with regulators to determine the root cause and prevent future occurrences.

He reiterated that gas remains a safe and clean energy source when handled strictly in line with safety standards, noting that negligence, substandard equipment, and unlawful installations — not the product — cause accidents.