In the wake of a devastating gas explosion that rocked Ogun State, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has announced stringent measures aimed at bolstering road safety, particularly concerning trucks transporting gas.
The announcement comes as part of a concerted effort to prevent future tragedies and ensure the well-being of the state’s residents and industrial infrastructure.
During a courtesy call by the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo and his delegation, Governor Abiodun, expressed grave concern over the recent explosion incident, emphasizing the paramount importance of preemptive action.
He underscored the critical role of roadworthy truck heads and the need for comprehensive policies to enforce their compliance with safety standards.
Governor Abiodun, through his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, highlighted the significant industrial landscape of Ogun State, boasting over 6,000 manufacturing industries and a robust gas reticulation system.
He stressed the imperative of ensuring the quality and standard of gas cylinders used by trucks, acknowledging the prevalence of gas utilization in the state.
“We must ensure that truck heads that convey gas are roadworthy. We are going to put in place a policy that enforces roadworthiness of trucks and looks at issues around standards,” Governor Abiodun affirmed, signaling a proactive stance towards mitigating potential risks.
In response to the incident, Governor Abiodun disclosed that the affected company had been temporarily shut down to facilitate a comprehensive safety audit.
Investigations are underway to ascertain the root cause of the explosion and formulate preventive measures to avert similar occurrences in the future.
Acknowledging the significance of regulatory oversight, Governor Abiodun called upon the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) to uphold vigilance in the evolving gas industry.
He emphasized the need for robust regulation to safeguard public safety and ensure compliance with established standards. The Governor also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his condolences and affirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborate with the federal government in addressing the aftermath of the explosion.
He reassured the residents of Ogun State that concerted efforts were underway to support those affected and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
In a demonstration of solidarity and proactive engagement, Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), visited the state to assess the extent of the damage caused by the explosion.
Expressing condolences to the affected families and businesses, the Minister underscored the importance of continuing the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative to drive economic growth while prioritizing safety measures.
Addressing infrastructure concerns, the Minister pledged to expedite the completion of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project to minimize reliance on gas transportation via roads.
He emphasized the necessity of ensuring that licensed companies possess the capacity to deliver gas safely to end-users, thereby mitigating unforeseen risks.
In a separate interaction, the Managing Director of Gasco Marine, Mr. Segun Ogunwunmi, lamented the unfortunate incident, emphasizing the company’s commitment to safety over its five years of operation.
He reiterated that stringent safety protocols, including driver training and regular facility inspections, were integral to their operations.
As investigations continue into the root cause of the gas explosion, Governor Abiodun’s proactive measures underscore a commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Ogun State.
With collaborative efforts between the state and federal governments, as well as industry stakeholders, there remains optimism for effective preventive measures and enhanced safety standards in the transportation and utilization of gas resources.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
