Although gas is used safely across the world for domestic and industrial purposes, in Nigeria, the Federal Government and private investors are endangering lives and property for avoidable reasons as the former pushes for increased domestic gas utilisation. In this report, KINGSLEY JEREMIAH reveals how weak regulations, lax enforcement, and crafty operators contribute to the continuous loss of lives and property during gas explosions.
While a BBC documentary pointed to a leak from an NNPC pipeline, the facility is currently covered up in the bush such that even if another explosion were to happen in that environment, a leakage may not be easily noticed until it leads to an explosion. This development further questions NNPC’s commitment to safety standards.
A gas retail outlet sits on the right of way around an NNPC pipeline in Abule Ado, Lagos.PHOTO KINGSLEY JEREMIAH Wahab, a 75-year-old contractor, worked tirelessly during his youth to secure a befitting future for his three wives, and eight children. He invested the proceeds of the several contracts that he won in real estate. Unfortunately, the Baruwa gas explosion razed all his property, killed some of his tenants while others are still in the hospital fighting for their lives.
“We are presently staying at a house being used by students of Islamic Studies,” Wahab said adding, “We are helpless. I lost over N700 million as the fire affected three buildings and 11 shops… Feeding has been really difficult. The turnaround in fortune has not been easy. For someone that gave out to other people to end up being the one, receiving isn’t a good thing. It has been a very depressing experience. I can no longer live up to my duties as a husband and father.
Ajayi, who alleged that he had lost tonnes of product in a similar fashion in the past, stressed that the development was negatively affecting his balance sheet, hence the need for him to watch out to see where the “leakages” were coming from. A list sighted by The Guardian had about 100 names – people who died or sustained different injuries.A manager at the company, Seye Aderanti, in an email to The Guardian narrated the incident thus: “On Monday, September 21, 2020, Manna Gas engaged our truck to pick up LPG from a nominated terminal at Apapa, Lagos, for onward delivery and offload at the Manna Gas facility at Iju Ishaga, Lagos.
Weeks after the incident, the scars are still visible, and the impact, hard-hitting. Apart from what remains of the gas plant, the charred remains of surrounding farmlands and residential structures as one moves from John Siwekwu Street, into Ken Kenny Street, paint a picture of gloom, especially for the newly homeless.