Amid the recent explosion in Ogun State, the Nigerian government has introduced new criteria for firms applying for a gas license.
During his visit to Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, revealed this development on Wednesday.
Ekpo conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the CNG explosion at Ita Oshin last Saturday, which resulted in at least one fatality and several injuries.
He emphasized that in the future, companies applying for gas licenses must have the capability to deliver their products to end users without relying on virtual transportation.
The Minister also assured that compensation would be provided to the victims of the explosion.
“In our efforts to minimize the risks associated with gas transportation, particularly with the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano pipeline, we are striving to reduce virtual conveyance of gas,” Ekpo stated.
“I have instructed the chief executive authority that moving forward, companies must demonstrate the capability to transport gas through pipelines to end users in order to mitigate such dangers,” he added.
Ekpo highlighted the ministry’s focus on enhancing gas pipeline infrastructure to eliminate virtual transportation and alleviate the strain on roads, thereby reducing the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.