Stakeholders Call For Urgent Action On Tanker Safety As Incessant Accidents Raise Concerns

Stakeholders Call for Urgent Action on Tanker Safety as Incessant Accidents Raise Concerns

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Stakeholders Call for Urgent Action on Tanker Safety as Incessant Accidents Raise Concerns

Nigeria has witnessed a troubling rise in tanker explosions, claiming lives and raising concerns among oil and gas operators in the downstream sector. In response, the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), in collaboration with key stakeholders, held a webinar to deliberate on solutions to curb these devastating incidents.

Safety Concerns and Infrastructure Challenges

While pipelines remain the safest mode for transporting petroleum products, Nigeria’s aging infrastructure has necessitated continued reliance on road transport. Chairman of MEMAN, Huub Stokman, highlighted the increasing frequency of tanker-related accidents, emphasizing the loss of lives, environmental hazards, and economic setbacks resulting from these incidents.

The Executive Secretary of the Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPMAN), Olufemi Adewole, reiterated the organization’s commitment to safety. He noted that DAPMAN ensures its members prioritize driver safety, roadworthiness of vehicles, and compliance with industry standards. Adewole also emphasized the role of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in monitoring truck conditions at depots and the necessity of ongoing driver training programs.

Calls for Government Support and Alternative Solutions

President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Yusuf Othman, lamented the loss of lives due to tanker accidents and stressed the need for increased collaboration between transporters and government agencies. He advocated for the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks as a safer and more sustainable alternative, urging government intervention to support financing for fleet upgrades.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, also weighed in on the issue, describing the recurrent tanker accidents as a national concern. He attributed many of these accidents to untrained drivers, aged trucks, and overloading. The Minister revealed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is set to roll out 500 new trucks equipped with advanced safety features in the first quarter of the year.

Regulatory and Safety Enhancements

Representing the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Technical Adviser Downstream, Engineer Abel Igeghe, emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening regulations through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). He highlighted key issues such as poor infrastructure maintenance, non-compliance with safety regulations, and inadequate emergency response mechanisms as areas needing urgent attention.

Igeghe also reiterated the government’s push for a transition from road transport to pipeline-based petroleum distribution while promoting CNG adoption for tanker fleets. He urged industry stakeholders to proactively enhance safety measures, undergo routine safety training, and ensure strict compliance with operational standards.

Industry Leaders Urge Collective Action

Clement Isong, Executive Secretary of MEMAN, pointed out the risks associated with road design, emphasizing the need for safer infrastructure. He called for improved public awareness to discourage people from scooping fuel at accident sites, a practice that has led to numerous fatalities. “We need national re-orientation; if a truck falls, people should secure the area instead of endangering their lives by scooping fuel,” he said.

Dr. Billy Harry, National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), commended MEMAN for its commitment to safety and innovation within the industry. He advocated for the increased use of rail transport for petroleum products to reduce road hazards and ensure greater efficiency in the distribution process.

The Way Forward

Stakeholders collectively agreed that urgent action is required to prevent further tragedies. Recommendations from the webinar included strict enforcement of weight limits for heavy-duty trucks, enhanced driver training, improved road signage, and infrastructure maintenance.

As MEMAN and its partners push for stricter safety measures, all eyes are on the government and industry players to implement meaningful changes that will safeguard lives, protect the environment, and ensure the efficient transportation of petroleum products in Nigeria.