The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has issued a stark warning regarding the Federal Government’s impending ban on trucks carrying more than 60,000 liters of petroleum products, which is set to take effect on March 1, 2025.
The association warns that the move could severely disrupt the fuel supply chain to Northern Nigeria, a region heavily dependent on shipments from Southern depots.
This ban, announced in response to a troubling rise in accidents and explosions involving overloaded trucks which have claimed 493 lives in just three years will restrict large tankers from loading at depots and traveling on federal roads. By October 1, 2025, the restriction will be further tightened, limiting truck capacity to 45,000 liters.
NARTO’s National President, Yusuf Othman, expressed deep concerns that the new regulations would create significant supply shortages, particularly in the North.
He highlighted that a reduction in tanker capacity would make it more difficult to meet demand in the region, where many areas rely on petroleum products transported from the South.
“We’re facing the very real prospect of a supply crisis,” Othman warned. “This move could lead to rising fuel prices in the North as the supply chain falters. The consequences of reduced transportation capacity are clear—price fluctuations are inevitable, especially with the deregulation of the sector.”
NARTO is also assessing the financial impact on the sector, with Othman estimating that losses could exceed N300 billion in investments.
The livelihoods of around 4,000 workers, including drivers, motor-boys, and their families, are at risk. As a solution, NARTO is exploring the possibility of retrofitting tanker trucks to comply with the new size restrictions and looking into how the government’s policy on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) could offer a viable alternative.
However, Othman emphasized that improving the condition of Nigeria’s roads was equally critical in reducing tanker accidents. “We have asked the government for a clear plan on road infrastructure improvements.
Poor road conditions are another major contributor to these accidents, and that needs to be addressed,” he said.
Industry expert Olatide Jeremiah echoed Othman’s concerns, calling the ban a “misplaced priority” that could lead to fuel price surges, particularly in the northern part of the country. “Northern Nigeria relies on Southern depots for up to 70% of its fuel supply.
The reduction in capacity will directly affect distribution, pushing prices higher and creating instability in the market.”
As Nigeria prepares for this significant policy shift, both NARTO and industry experts are urging the government to reconsider the broader implications on fuel supply, pricing, and the livelihoods of thousands within the transportation sector.
With a nation already grappling with unpredictable market dynamics, the proposed truck ban could usher in even greater uncertainty.
