President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed shock at the explosion, which occurred on Friday at a Kano factory.
At least 200 residents of Sharada Quarters in Kano were hospitalized after inhaling chemicals from a cylinder dismantled by metal scrappers.
Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, described the incident as “extremely horrific”.
Buhari said he was unsettled by the tragic accident, the second in the city in one month.
“Our brave emergency response agencies and medical workers are trying their best to save lives,” he said.
The President assured that the Federal Government was in constant touch with field workers and health facilities.
He commended the response of Kano government and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
Buhari also hailed hospitals, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA) and Nigerian Red Cross for supporting the victims.
The statement further wished the hundreds of people that got injured a quick recovery.