The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has implemented new regulations aimed at reducing the growing number of tanker accidents and explosions across the country.
Starting March 1, 2025, no petrol tanker with a capacity exceeding 60,000 litres will be permitted to load at any depot nationwide. By the fourth quarter of 2025, the limit will be further reduced to a maximum of 45,000 litres.
This move comes after a series of tragic tanker explosions, which have claimed numerous lives and caused significant property damage. In a meeting held on Wednesday with key industry stakeholders, the NMDPRA outlined these measures as the first step in tackling the ongoing safety crisis.
Just in January 2025 alone, over 100 lives were lost in tanker-related accidents. The most devastating incident occurred on January 18 when a petrol tanker exploded at Dikko junction along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway in Niger State, resulting in the deaths of at least 98 people. The explosion happened when local residents attempted to scoop fuel from the overturned tanker after an accident. The resulting fire left dozens of people severely burned.
A week later, another explosion occurred along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, killing 11 individuals. In this case, a tanker suffered brake failure, toppled, and leaked fuel, which ignited and caused a deadly blaze.
In response to these incidents, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, during a condolence visit to the Emir of Suleja, confirmed that President Bola Tinubu would establish a high-powered committee to investigate the recurring explosions. The committee, he stated, would focus on safety measures to prevent future accidents, with members drawn from various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), tanker drivers’ associations, and other relevant bodies.
Additionally, the Ministry of Information will launch an awareness campaign to educate the public on the safe movement of fuel tankers, the importance of road safety, and the dangers associated with scooping spilled fuel.
These efforts reflect the government’s commitment to preventing further loss of life and property damage caused by petroleum tanker accidents.
