Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has raised concerns over the alarming rise in fatalities caused by individuals scooping petroleum products from overturned tankers.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on the recently concluded End of Year Operation Zero Tolerance, Corps Marshal Mallam Shehu Mohammed disclosed that the FRSC recorded 9,570 traffic crashes in 2024, reflecting a 10% reduction from the previous year.
Rising Fatalities Linked to Fuel Scooping
Mallam Mohammed noted that while overall road traffic fatalities decreased, deaths resulting from tanker explosions and fuel scooping incidents significantly contributed to the casualty count in 2024.
“Without the fatalities linked to fuel scooping, we would have achieved a 1.4% decline in total deaths compared to 2023,” he said.
During the period from December 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025, the FRSC reported 531 crashes, including 169 fatal accidents, 287 serious incidents, and 75 minor collisions. This marks a 16.2% reduction compared to the 634 crashes recorded in the same period in 2023.
In the same timeframe, 2,129 people were rescued without injuries, an 8.2% decrease from the 2,319 rescued in 2023.
The FRSC partnered with the judiciary to conduct Mobile Court sessions for traffic violators. According to Mallam Mohammed, 1,013 offenders were arraigned during these sessions, resulting in 923 convictions, 3 imprisonments, and 117 acquittals.
The Corps Marshal emphasized the FRSC’s commitment to enforcing compliance with safety measures and collaborating with the National Orientation Agency to sensitize the public on the dangers of fuel scooping.
Mallam Mohammed highlighted plans to engage stakeholders, including petroleum tanker unions, to develop long-term strategies to address tanker-related accidents. He also appealed to passengers to refrain from traveling in goods-carrying trucks, citing inherent risks during both day and night trips.
Tanker explosions remain a significant challenge in Nigeria, with devastating impacts on human lives and the economy. Poor vehicle maintenance, reckless driving, and inadequate safety protocols are major contributors to these incidents.
– On January 5, 2025, four people lost their lives, and three others were injured in a diesel tanker explosion in Agbor, Delta State.
– In October 2024, a catastrophic tanker explosion in Jigawa State claimed over 170 lives, one of the deadliest incidents in recent history.
– Similarly, in September 2024, 59 people were killed in Niger State when a fuel tanker collided with a truck.
The FRSC reiterated its dedication to reducing road traffic accidents and urged Nigerians to adopt safer practices to prevent further tragedies.
By Enoch Odesola| January 27, 2025
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