Gas
Ogun and federal authorities investigate recurring gas leaks
The Ogun State Government and federal agencies have initiated a joint inquiry into repeated methane emissions affecting local communities.
Key points
- A joint team from the Ogun State Government and federal agencies is investigating repeated methane gas emissions.
- Previous incidents resulted in unpleasant odours and the hospitalisation of over one hundred school pupils.
- Experts are conducting geochemical and geophysical analyses to identify the underground source of the gas.
What happened
The Ogun State Government, working alongside federal authorities, has launched a collaborative inquiry into persistent methane gas releases across Ijebu-Ode and surrounding districts. Punch reported that four separate incidents have caused widespread unease among residents due to foul odours and potential health hazards. A delegation comprising specialists from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and technical partners has deployed to the region. Headed by NUPRC Deputy Director Omonedo Prosper, the team is evaluating emission patterns and reviewing preliminary assessments compiled by state officials.
The situation drew heightened concern following an October event that led to the medical treatment of more than 100 students who inhaled an offensive airborne substance. Affected educational institutions included facilities in Ago-Iwoye and Ijebu-Igbo, with patients admitted to the State Hospital in Ijebu-Ode as well as the General Hospital in Ijebu-Igbo. State Commissioner for Environment Ola Oresanya noted that authorities are maintaining communication channels with the public and advised citizens on precautionary steps, assuring them that the substance is non-lethal.
What comes next
Scientific evaluations are currently underway to trace the origin of the emissions. Professor Ikhane Phillips, who leads the Department of Earth Sciences at Olabisi Onabanjo University, stated that geophysical surveys and laboratory testing will determine the subterranean movement and chemical composition of the gas. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, confirmed that the administration intends to publish findings promptly and apply expert recommendations to prevent further occurrences across Ijebu East, Odogbolu, and Ijebu-Ode.
Why it matters
Incidents of uncontained gas releases highlight critical safety and environmental monitoring challenges within Nigeria's populated basins. As the country relies heavily on hydrocarbon sectors—with fuel exports accounting for 85.9 percent of merchandise trade in 2025 according to World Bank figures—robust regulatory oversight of onshore infrastructure and subsurface resources remains essential. Investor confidence and public safety depend on transparent investigations and rapid remediation when technical failures or natural seepages threaten local communities.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Gas is the flexible backbone of many grids and the designated transition fuel in many national plans, from LNG trade to domestic LPG and CNG. Supply security and pricing drive both power reliability and emissions.
72.9% of electricity in Nigeria came from gas in 2024Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
