FG, MEMAN Raise Alarm Over Fatalities and Environmental Damage from Frequent Tanker Accidents

• To Collaborate on Safe Transportation of Petroleum Products

• NNPC Retail To Procure 500 CNG Trucks with Alcohol Detectors

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo and the Chairman of the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Huub Stokman, have collectively raised alarm over the persistent safety risks in petroleum transportation across Nigeria.

Speaking at a MEMAN webinar titled “Improving Safe Transportation of Petroleum Products,” the leaders highlighted the alarming frequency of tanker accidents and called for stricter safety measures to prevent further tragedies.

Taking the keynote address, Sen. Lokpobiri emphasized the need for immediate action to curb preventable tanker explosions and fuel-related disasters. He condemned the dangerous practice of rushing to scoop fuel from fallen tankers, warning that the consequences are often fatal.

“Our people must stop the practice of running to a fallen tanker to scoop fuel,” Lokpobiri cautioned. “The dangers are unimaginable. There should be an immediate evacuation, and authorities must be notified for swift intervention.”

The Minister called on industry players to take responsibility for enforcing safety standards, stressing that self-regulation is no longer optional but imperative.

“This crisis demands a coordinated effort between government agencies and private sector stakeholders, particularly those who own and operate these trucks,” he stated. “As the government strengthens inter-agency collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Fire Service, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and other key stakeholders, petroleum transporters must ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.”

He further urged companies to enforce stricter driver training, eliminate reckless practices such as speeding and overloading, and promote public awareness about fuel-related hazards.

“As we take decisive actions to curb frequent petrol tanker explosions, public awareness remains crucial in preventing further loss of lives,” Lokpobiri emphasized. “The temptation to scoop fuel is not worth the risk. Such actions often lead to devastating explosions and unnecessary tragedies.”

Reaffirming the stance of Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, emphasized that improving petroleum transportation safety is a national priority. Represented by Mr. Abel Igheghe, Ekpo underscored the need for a coordinated approach involving regulators, marketers, transporters, and enforcement agencies.

“This is not just an industry concern; it affects lives, businesses, and the environment. As a government, we recognize the need for a collective approach,” he said.

Ekpo outlined major challenges, including inadequate road infrastructure, noncompliance with safety regulations, driver fatigue, and gaps in training. He further pointed to weaknesses in emergency response mechanisms and called for stricter enforcement of safety protocols.

“To address these challenges, we are strengthening regulations through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and intensifying safety training for petroleum truck operators,” he stated.

He also encouraged industry players to embrace alternative transportation methods, such as pipelines and railways, while promoting the transition to CNG-powered trucks.

“Ensuring the safe transportation of petroleum products is a shared responsibility,” Ekpo said. “Together, we can make our logistics safer and more sustainable.”

The Chairman of MEMAN in his address underscored the devastating consequences of frequent fuel tanker accidents, citing loss of lives, environmental damage, and economic losses.

“The number of tanker incidents in Nigeria has remained troubling over the years,” said Stokman. “At times, they occur in quick succession, causing tragic loss of lives, both among the public and drivers, while also inflicting severe environmental damage from product spillages.”

He identified key factors fueling these hazards, including an aging fleet, deteriorating road conditions, and reckless driving behavior.

While acknowledging the difficulties faced by transporters across sectors, Stokman stressed that fuel tanker accidents tend to have particularly catastrophic consequences. He recalled multiple incidents in January that resulted in significant fatalities.

Despite these challenges, MEMAN remains committed to enhancing safety standards. Stokman highlighted ongoing efforts by member companies, including NNPC Retail to modernize their fleets.

He disclosed that NNPC Retail is set to deploy 500 new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks in the first half of the year, equipped with cutting-edge safety features such as anti-slip technology, alcohol locks, driver fatigue detection systems, onboard cameras, and electronic cargo seals.

“These new trucks will have fewer mechanical failures and incorporate advanced safety measures,” he noted. “Even with older fleets, we’ve seen that speed limiters and onboard tracking systems significantly reduce accidents.”

Emphasizing the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, Stokman called on industry players, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and government agencies to collaborate in making Nigeria’s transport sector safer.

The webinar concluded with a strong consensus that improving petroleum transportation safety requires collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and the public. Attendees expressed strong support for the government’s proposed measures and pledged to work together to reduce accidents and improve efficiency in the sector.

In his closing remarks, Stokman reiterated MEMAN’s dedication to road safety and called for continued engagement with all stakeholders.

“Together, we can make a difference,” he said.