The frequency and devastation caused by petrol tanker explosions in Nigeria have reached alarming levels, and both the government and citizens must recognise this as a national emergency. In just the past few weeks, over 100 lives were tragically lost in petrol tanker-related accidents across Oyo, Niger, and most recently, Enugu States.
These horrific events have caused immense sorrow and grief, leaving countless families mourning their loved ones and businesses destroyed. This loss is unacceptable, especially considering that many of these accidents are avoidable. The root causes of these disasters are glaring and demand immediate attention.
First, the condition of Nigerian roads plays a significant role in the frequent accidents involving petrol tankers. Poorly maintained roads, coupled with reckless driving and substandard vehicle conditions, create a dangerous environment on the roads. These issues are compounded by a fatal tendency among many Nigerians to take advantage of spilled fuel, often at great risk to their lives. The temptation to scoop fuel from fallen tankers is not only reckless but also disregards the very real risk of explosion.
The human cost of such behaviour is too high, and it is time for the government to implement preventive measures that will safeguard the lives of its citizens. Beyond these immediate issues, there is an unsettling lack of long-term solutions from the authorities. One of the most critical steps that should have been taken years ago is the exploration of alternative methods for transporting petroleum products. Globally, many countries use underground pipelines or railway systems to transport hazardous materials, ensuring greater safety. Yet, in Nigeria, tankers continue to navigate long, treacherous roads, exacerbating the risks.
The failure to adopt such safer methods speaks to a significant governance failure across all levels of government—federal, state, and local. There is a dire need for a comprehensive approach to the transportation of petroleum products, one that prioritises safety and efficiency. The residents who came out to scoop fuel from the spilt tanker contributed to the disaster, and many were consumed by the ensuing inferno. Similar accidents in Ibadan and Enugu have shown that these tragedies are not isolated; Nigeria is caught in a dangerous cycle.
Since 2020, petrol tanker explosions have claimed over 663 lives, with hundreds more injured. The statistics paint a grim picture: 25 incidents in 2020 claimed 97 lives, while 21 explosions in 2021 resulted in 79 deaths. The situation worsened in 2022, with 85 lives lost, and last year, 289 deaths occurred in eight separate incidents. These numbers reflect a pattern that, if not addressed, will only continue to worsen. There is no excuse for the continued reliance on outdated, unsafe methods of transporting fuel across the country. Fuel, being highly inflammable, should never be transported on poorly maintained roads in unsafe vehicles.
The government must also focus on public education. President Bola Tinubu’s call for the National Orientation Agency to launch a nationwide campaign to educate Nigerians on the dangers of scooping fuel is a crucial step in the right direction. Public awareness campaigns are necessary to change dangerous behaviours and instil a culture of safety. Nigerians must learn to value their lives more than the fleeting gains of looting fuel from a damaged tanker. While education alone will not solve the problem, it is a critical component in shifting public attitudes and preventing further loss of life.
Furthermore, the government must stop relying solely on road transport for petroleum products. Nigeria, as one of Africa’s largest oil producers, should not still be heavily dependent on long-distance trucking of fuel, particularly when safer and more efficient alternatives exist. Pipelines and railways should be considered as viable, safer alternatives that would mitigate the risks posed by transporting fuel on congested and poorly maintained roads.
The lack of effective safety protocols and drivers’ ignorance of handling hazardous materials are major contributing factors to these accidents. It is not enough to learn how to drive a vehicle; drivers must be trained to handle emergencies when they occur. The government must ensure that tanker drivers undergo rigorous training and that safety standards are strictly enforced. Also, the practice of scooping fuel from fallen tankers is a reckless and deadly one. It is imperative that we educate the public on the dangers of this practice and take steps to prevent it from happening.
President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the National Orientation Agency to launch a campaign to sensitize Nigerians against the dangers of scooping fuel from falling tankers is a step in the right direction.
However, more needs to be done. We need to rethink our approach to transporting petroleum products. Reliance on long-distance travel on poorly maintained roads is a recipe for disaster.
Ultimately, the petrol tanker menace is a symptom of a larger problem: poor governance. It is the responsibility of the government to protect the lives and property of citizens.
We demand that the government take immediate action to address the root causes of these accidents and ensure that safety standards are strictly enforced.
We cannot continue to lose innocent lives to avoidable tragedies. It is time for us to demand better governance and to hold our leaders accountable for their actions.
Fuel tanker accidents should not be seen as inevitable occurrences but as a tragic reminder of the dire need for better governance and leadership.
Nigeria’s continued reliance on unsafe transportation methods for petroleum products is an indictment of the country’s governance.
The persistent tragedies caused by petrol tanker explosions demand immediate action.
The government must overhaul road infrastructure, enforce stricter safety standards, explore alternative transportation methods, and prioritise public safety.