The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), is considering a ban on 60,000-litre capacity tankers on federal highways. This move comes in response to the alarming rise in petrol tanker accidents, which have claimed 493 lives over the past three years.
Government’s Proposal to Reduce Tanker Accidents
In a proposal to stakeholders, the NMDPRA is advocating for a restriction that would limit petroleum tankers to a maximum of 45,000 litres. This initiative is part of a broader effort to curb fatalities from fuel-related road accidents and improve road safety.
The Chief Executive Officer of the NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, revealed this at a stakeholders’ engagement session held at the authority’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday. The meeting aimed to develop lasting solutions to the frequent and deadly incidents involving petroleum tankers.
According to Ahmed, public outcry over the devastating impact of these accidents has necessitated urgent intervention.
Rising Fatalities from Tanker Accidents
Statistics from the NMDPRA indicate a troubling increase in tanker-related deaths:
- 2022: 7 deaths from 4 incidents
- 2023: 24 deaths from 2 incidents
- 2024: 341 deaths from 11 incidents
- 2025 (as of February): 121 deaths from 5 incidents
Ahmed described the trend as “unacceptable” and emphasized the need for stricter safety measures. He stated:
“We are here today to discuss the recent trend in road tanker accidents and the resultant fatalities. The public is watching helplessly and looking forward to intervention to protect lives and properties.”
Proposed Safety Measures
To mitigate these accidents, the NMDPRA has introduced several safety measures, including:
- Determining the appropriate truck capacity (60,000 litres vs. 45,000 litres) to reduce road damage and accident severity.
- Mandatory safety training for downstream operators, including drivers, motor boys, and other personnel.
- Installation of anti-spill safety valves on all petroleum tankers.
- Implementation of the safe-to-load initiative, which includes:
- Color coding and branding of tankers for better identification.
- Spot checks by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to identify fatigued or intoxicated drivers.
- Public awareness campaigns to discourage the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from accident sites.
- Designation of specific routes and commute times for petroleum tankers.
Ahmed stressed that compliance with these measures is non-negotiable, stating:
“It is unacceptable for any operator to conduct business in contravention of established safety protocols. These accidents are a result of non-compliance and poor transportation infrastructure.”
Transporters Oppose the Ban
Despite the government’s push for stricter regulations, transporters argue that banning 60,000-litre tankers could lead to significant financial losses.
The President of the National Association of Road Transport Owners, Yusuf Othman, warned that such a policy could jeopardize investments worth over ₦300 billion, as there are approximately 2,000 of these high-capacity tankers in operation, each valued at over ₦150 million.
Othman expressed concerns, stating:
“We acknowledge the need for safety measures, but we must avoid decisions that could harm the industry. Transporters are investors, and these trucks are costly assets, often financed through banks and lenders.”
Call for Improved Road Infrastructure
In addition to safety measures, stakeholders highlighted the poor condition of Nigerian roads as a key factor in tanker accidents. Othman urged the government to prioritize road rehabilitation and maintenance, emphasizing the strong correlation between road quality and accident rates.
He also advised the public to maintain a safe distance from petrol-laden trucks due to their high flammability.
Next Steps
With rising casualties and growing concerns from industry stakeholders, the government’s decision on the tanker ban remains a crucial point of debate. The NMDPRA has called for strict compliance with safety protocols and continues to engage stakeholders to find a balanced solution.