The House of Representatives has called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations governing gas filling stations and retail outlets nationwide following another gas explosion in Lagos that left several persons injured and destroyed properties in a residential area.
The resolution was passed on Wednesday after lawmakers adopted a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Adesola Adedayo, who represents Apapa Federal Constituency of Lagos State.
Raising the motion during plenary, Adedayo said the latest explosion occurred in the early hours of May 5 along Adeleye Street in Apapa, describing the incident as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by poorly regulated gas facilities operating within densely populated communities.
According to the lawmaker, the explosion happened at a site where construction activities were ongoing behind two shops, causing extensive structural damage and injuries to at least five persons, including a student on the way to school.
“The incident resulted in serious injuries, extensive destruction of nearby structures and significant financial losses for residents and business owners,” he said.
Adedayo commended residents and emergency responders, particularly officials of the Lagos State Fire Service, for acting swiftly to contain the fire and evacuate victims to nearby hospitals, including Gbagada General Hospital.
Despite the prompt response, lawmakers expressed growing concern over the recurring pattern of gas explosions in urban centres, warning that weak enforcement of safety standards continues to endanger lives and property.
The House subsequently directed agencies responsible for licensing and monitoring gas facilities to strictly enforce existing regulations on the siting and operation of gas plants and outlets.
Lawmakers also urged emergency management authorities to provide immediate relief and medical support for victims affected by the Apapa incident.
Gas explosions have become an increasingly frequent safety challenge in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, driven partly by the rapid expansion in the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for domestic cooking and commercial activities.
Although LPG adoption has been encouraged as a cleaner and more affordable energy alternative, industry experts say the proliferation of gas plants within residential neighbourhoods—often in violation of approved setback distances and safety requirements—has heightened the risk of accidents.
Analysts also attribute many of the incidents to weak regulatory oversight, poor handling practices, substandard equipment and inadequate routine inspections.
The latest resolution by the House reflects mounting pressure on regulators to move beyond reactive responses and adopt stronger preventive measures as gas usage continues to expand across the country.
