The House of Representatives has called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Ministry of Humanitarian and Social Development to urgently provide relief materials to victims of a devastating fuel tanker explosion in Niger State.
The incident, which reportedly claimed multiple lives, was described as a result of overspeeding by the driver and the dangerous curve of the junction.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Adamu Tanko, who expressed deep concern over the grief and devastation caused by the explosion.
In addition to providing relief, the House called for the constitution of an ad hoc committee to investigate the underlying causes of such accidents and recommend preventive measures.
It further urged the Nigeria Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to intensify sensitization efforts for tanker drivers to prevent future occurrences.
Similarly, the House deliberated on the growing threat of gas explosions across the country, adopting a motion brought under matters of urgent national importance by Hon. Aderemi Oseni.
Oseni highlighted the dangers posed by substandard and expired gas cylinders, which he noted were a major cause of the frequent explosions.
Following the debate, the House urged the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigerian Customs Service to ensure that only standard gas cylinders, trucks, and kits are allowed into the country.
The lawmakers also called on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to launch an awareness campaign to educate Nigerians on how to identify substandard gas cylinders and kits.
