FOLLOWING the last week explosion of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, laden tanker in Dikko Junction, Niger State, which killed 86 people, with 55 others injured, Global Rights Nigeria, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, and ActionAid Nigeria, AAN, yesterday, called on government and Nigerians to urgently put in place stringent measures to drastically reduce the carnage resulting from tanker explosions.
Speaking with Vanguard on the Niger tanker explosion, the CSOs said the relevant Government authorities in the oil and gas industry including the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Vehicle Inspection Officers, and Directorate of Road Traffic Services, should come up with comprehensive reforms to prevent future occurrence.
The Executive Director, Global Rights Nigeria, Abiodun Baiyewu said: “This tragedy underscores the urgent need for comprehensive systemic reforms to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“We emphasize the importance of thorough and transparent investigations by relevant authorities, including the Police, FRSC, and Directorate of Vehicle Inspection Services. These investigations must not only ensure accountability but also result in actionable outcomes that can mitigate the risk of future disasters.
“Preventing such tragedies requires a concerted effort. We urge: The government: to prioritize investments in safer infrastructure, such as railways and pipelines, enforce strict regulatory oversight of fuel transportation, and initiate nationwide public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the dangers of engaging with fuel spills.
“NUPENG and fuel tanker owners: to uphold the highest safety standards, provide regular training for personnel, and ensure vehicles are maintained to minimize mechanical failures.
“In addition, exploring safer alternatives to road transport, such as pipelines and rail systems, is critical to reducing the risks associated with moving hazardous materials.
“We also strongly condemn the life-threatening practice of scooping spilled fuel. To deter this behavior, we call on the government to impose strict penalties for violators and ensure accident sites are promptly secured by emergency response teams.
“Preventing tragedies like this is a shared responsibility that demands collaboration among government authorities, industry stakeholders, and citizens. Global Rights remains unwavering in its commitment to advocating for the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.”
Modern rail network panacea to fuel transportation – CISLAC
The Executive Director, CISLAC, Awual Rafsanjani said, “The recent tragedy in Niger State is another painful reminder of the recurring tanker explosions in Nigeria, which continue to claim lives and devastate communities.
“Unfortunately, the investigations conducted by the Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Directorate of Vehicle Inspection over the years have yielded minimal tangible results in curbing these carnages. While these agencies have often cited negligence, overloading, and poor vehicle maintenance as contributing factors, enforcement remains weak.
“Moreover, there is a lack of transparent reporting on the outcomes of these investigations and whether offenders—be they vehicle owners or operators—are held accountable. This lack of systemic deterrence perpetuates a culture of impunity.
“To avert future tragedies, coordinated actions are required from government agencies, NUPENG, and petroleum product transporters; Government: Enforce strict compliance with safety standards through inspections by the FRSC, Directorate of Vehicle Inspection, and Ministry of Transport.
“Increase penalties for non-compliance with roadworthiness standards and hazardous material handling laws.
“Establish and to prevent roadside transfers. Enhance emergency response mechanisms by funding and training local emergency management units.
“NUPENG and Owners: Introduce mandatory safety training for tanker drivers, emphasizing the dangers of improper fuel handling.
“Ensure that all vehicles meet stringent safety and maintenance standards.
“Monitor compliance among drivers and enforce strict consequences for violations.
“Alternatives for Safer Petroleum Transportation: Nigeria must urgently diversify its methods of transporting petroleum products:
Pipeline Infrastructure: Investing in a robust pipeline network will minimize reliance on tankers. Though susceptible to vandalism, pipelines remain the safest and most cost-effective long-term solution.
“Rail Transport: Expanding and modernizing the rail network to accommodate fuel transportation would reduce road traffic and associated risks.
“Addressing the Issue of Scooping Fuel: Scooping spilled fuel from accident scenes is a dangerous and often fatal practice driven by poverty and desperation. To deter this:
“Public Awareness: Conduct nationwide campaigns on the risks of scooping fuel, using local languages and media channels.
“Enhanced Security: Deploy law enforcement personnel and firefighters promptly at accident scenes to secure the area and prevent unauthorized access.
“Emergency Response Education: Train communities on basic emergency response protocols and encourage them to report accidents instead of rushing to the scene.”
In conclusion, the CISLAC boss expressed pain over what he described as heartbreaking that incidents that have continued to occur in the nation.
“Nigeria has existing disaster management frameworks, such as the National Disaster Management Framework (NDMF), and agencies like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and FRSC, but implementation remains weak. What we need is not just laws but their consistent enforcement, proper funding of emergency response mechanisms, and a commitment to safeguarding lives.
“As we mourn the loss of these lives, I urge all stakeholders—government agencies, transport unions, and citizens—to prioritize safety and ensure that such tragedies are consigned to history.”
Revive Kaduna Refinery to reduce tanker accidents – ActionAid
The Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, AAN, Andrew Mamedu said, “As ActionAid Nigeria, we express our profound sorrow over the recent petrol tanker explosion near Suleja, Niger State, which tragically claimed over 70 lives and injured many others.
“We call for an urgent overhaul of investigative processes and the adoption of global best practices to ensure safer roads for all Nigerians. This devastating incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
“In October 2024, a similar incident occurred in Majiya, Jigawa State, where over 140 people lost their lives while attempting to collect fuel from an overturned tanker. This pattern is not unique to Nigeria; other African nations have faced comparable challenges. For example, in Tanzania, a fuel tanker explosion in 2019 resulted in over 60 deaths. In response, Tanzanian authorities intensified public education on the dangers of siphoning fuel and enforced stricter regulations on fuel transportation.
“Nigeria can learn from such approaches by enhancing public awareness and enforcing safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.
“To prevent future tragedies, we recommend the following actions:The Government must Invest in alternative transportation methods, such as revamping the railway system, to reduce reliance on road transport for hazardous materials.
“The absence of an efficient railway system has been a contributing factor to frequent and often fatal truck accidents. The government must also strengthen the enforcement of safety regulations for fuel transportation, including regular vehicle inspections and stringent licensing requirements for drivers.
“The government must address the root causes of poverty and unemployment that push people to take these risks, while also intensifying public education campaigns to highlight the dangers of approaching tanker spill sites. This dangerous practice reflects the harsh realities facing millions of people who lack access to dignified sources of income and adequate social safety nets.
“A more secure and equitable economic environment would reduce desperation and save lives.The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Owners of Petroleum station must implement comprehensive training for drivers and handlers on safety protocols and emergency response procedures.
“They must also Ensure regular maintenance of tanker vehicles to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.
“Nigeria has an opportunity to utilize inland waterways and coastal shipping more effectively to reduce tanker road accidents. This can be expanded using barges or small vessels for transportation within the country.
“Pipeline networks, for instance, can significantly reduce the risks associated with road transport, we see that in countries like US, Russia and even South Africa. Additionally, investing in the development of an efficient railway system dedicated to transporting hazardous materials can mitigate the frequency of such disasters.
“The reliance on road transportation has been linked to frequent and often fatal truck accidents in Nigeria. Also reviving and optimizing the Kaduna Refinery can play a critical role in reducing tanker accidents by significantly shortening the routes and distances tanker drivers need to travel to deliver petroleum products.
“The refinery, located in northern Nigeria, has the potential to meet a substantial portion of the fuel demands in the region and neighboring states. By producing refined products closer to end-users, the dependence on long-haul transportation of petroleum products from coastal refineries and depots, such as those in Lagos and Port Harcourt, can be minimized.
“This reduction in distance not only lowers the risk of accidents caused by fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, and hazardous road conditions but also decreases the volume of fuel being transported across vast regions prone to spills and explosions.
“These alternatives, implemented alongside strict enforcement of safety protocols, will save lives, reduce accidents, and ensure a more efficient and secure energy distribution system.”
On scooping split products from fallen tankers, he (Mamedu) said, “Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate citizens about the dangers of approaching accident scenes involving fuel tankers.
“In the recent Suleja incident, individuals attempting to transfer gasoline from one tanker to another using a generator caused a spark that ignited the explosion. To deter such risky behavior, the government should implement strict penalties for unauthorized access to accident sites and ensure prompt emergency responses to secure such areas.
“It is imperative for all stakeholders, including government agencies, industry unions, and the general public, to collaborate in implementing these measures. By doing so, we can honor the memory of those lost and work towards a safer Nigeria for all. Culled From Vanguard