Title Stakeholders Seek Improved Gas Safety Measures as Utilisation Rises
Rewritten Text
Industry experts and regulatory stakeholders are calling for the immediate reinforcement of safety protocols and aggressive public awareness campaigns as Nigeria rapidly scales up its adoption of gas for domestic, automotive, and industrial uses.
This collective concern was raised in Abuja ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 Nigeria Gas Safety Conference. Organizing authorities emphasized that the country’s accelerating transition toward gas-based energy must be synchronized with rigorous safety frameworks, strict enforcement, and continuous grassroots education to prevent avoidable fatalities.
Speaking on the shifting energy landscape, Dr. Sunday Kanshio, Managing Partner of Fleissen and the conference convener, disclosed that gas-related accidents across various states over the past 12 months have claimed 48 lives and left more than 80 people injured. Kanshio noted that while gas is an inherently safe resource, structural risks spike due to human error, substandard equipment, poor handling, and compromised containment systems. The rapid deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) haulage trucks, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) retail networks has massively increased the potential points of failure, making tight oversight absolutely critical.
The logistics surrounding LNG transit require exceptional operational discipline, given that the product is moved at ultra-low cryogenic temperatures. Kanshio pointed out that gas safety emergencies often escape mainstream public scrutiny until a major disaster occurs. He stressed that a deeply ingrained safety culture is standard practice in the upstream oil and gas sector and must now be replicated downstream as the federal administration drives its nationwide economic expansion and clean energy transition.
The upcoming summit, themed “Strengthening Safety Systems Amid Expanding Gas Production and Utilization,” is set to host over 200 delegates, 40 specialized speakers, and multiple interactive panels. Industry leaders warn that persistent infrastructure accidents risk damaging public trust, scaring away foreign direct investment, and derailing the entire national energy migration. Consequently, stakeholders are urging joint action among government regulators, private plant operators, civil organizations, and media houses to foster a resilient safety culture across the federation.
