Olusegun Ariyo
The Federal Government of Nigeria and key petroleum product marketers have proposed new measures to address the rising number of road accidents involving petrol tankers.
They shared their views during a webinar organized by the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) in Lagos on Thursday, February 6, 2025, with the theme “Improving Safe Transportation of Petroleum Products.”
The stakeholders expressed concern over the recent tanker accidents which had led to loss of lives and extensive property damage, and were at the centre of the discussion.
The webinar attracted government officials, regulators, and other industry stakeholders, all of whom shared valuable insights on improving safety in petroleum logistics.
In his address, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Mr Heineken Lokpobiri, expressed concern over the increasing number of casualties from tanker accidents in the country.
He emphasised the need for improved training of tanker drivers and the installation of leak detection systems, as well as other safety measures to support drivers.
Lokpobiri also urged petroleum marketers and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to enhance collaboration, particularly in the area of driver training.
Also, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpo Ekpo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the safe transportation of petroleum products.
Ekpo, represented by Mr Abel Nse, said that alternative, safer transportation methods such as through pipelines and railways should be considered.
He also supported initiatives for better driver training and stricter enforcement of safety regulations within the sector.
Earlier in the forum, MEMAN Chairman, Mr. Huub Stokman, revealed that the association had developed a comprehensive training manual for its members’ truck drivers.
Stokman stressed that continuous training and strict adherence to safety measures are essential to reducing tanker-related accidents.
Alhaji Yusuf Othman, National President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), called for increased support for marketers and the association’s efforts to phase out ageing, unsafe petrol tankers.
Othman identified old vehicles as a significant factor in accidents and highlighted the association’s involvement in the Federal Government’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, which offered a safer and more cost-effective alternative for transporting petroleum products.
Othman reiterated the importance of ongoing driver training and adherence to safety policies.
Mr Femi Adewole, Executive Secretary of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketing Association of Nigeria (DAPPMA) emphasised that his association ensured high truck maintenance and driver education standards.
However, Adewole pointed out that many smaller transporters, who operated with limited resources, struggled with truck maintenance and adequate driver training, which could increase safety risks.
He called on the government to provide financial assistance, such as loans, to help transporters upgrade their fleets with modern and safe tankers.
