The Federal Road Safety Corps has called for a holistic and multisectoral approach to address the persistent issue of fuel tanker crashes and the alarming fatalities caused by fuel scooping.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, made the call during a press conference in Abuja on Monday.
On January 25, 2024, 18 people were killed in a tanker explosion in Enugu State.
On January 18, 2024, 98 people were killed in a tanker explosion in Nigeria State.
Mohammed outlined the complex nature of the problem, stressing the need for collaboration among key stakeholders, including transport unions, fire services, and the National Emergency Management Agency.
According to Mohammed, the causes of fuel tanker crashes are multifaceted, involving human error, vehicle integrity, mechanical failures, and the lack of precautionary safety measures.
He explained that the transportation of petroleum products across vast distances increases the likelihood of crashes.
“There is nowhere else where petroleum products are transported by trucks over such long distances by road. It is inherently dangerous,” he said.
The corps marshal highlighted the challenges posed by independent tanker drivers who often disregard risk areas and rest stops designed to ensure safety.
“Unlike major marketers who enforce rest stops for their drivers, independent operators often bypass these measures, further exacerbating the risk,” he noted.
Another critical issue identified was the practice of scooping fuel from crashed tankers, which has led to hundreds of avoidable deaths.
Mohammed explained that these fatalities are often secondary to the crashes, as residents near accident sites rush to collect spilled fuel, only for fires or explosions to result in mass casualties.
To address these challenges, the FRSC is engaging stakeholders to develop a coordinated strategy.
“We are convening a meeting this week with all relevant stakeholders to brainstorm and implement solutions. This includes sensitising the public about the dangers of scooping fuel and ensuring proper tanker safety standards,” he stated.
Mohammed emphasised the need for continuous awareness campaigns involving traditional leaders, community heads, and the media to discourage dangerous practices.
“Sensitisation cannot be a one-time effort. It must be ongoing, and we are committed to leveraging every platform available to educate the public,” he said.
The corps is also grappling with the issue of misloading, where trucks are overloaded with passengers, animals, and goods, often leading to fatal crashes.
Mohammed acknowledged the operational challenges faced by officers in enforcing regulations, especially when confronted with overwhelming numbers of passengers.
The corps marshal urged his officers to prioritise their safety during enforcement operations while continuing to safeguard the lives of road users.
As the FRSC works to implement long-term solutions, Mohammed expressed optimism about reducing the frequency of tanker crashes and the associated fatalities.
