Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu is set to inaugurate a high-level committee to tackle the recurring issue of fuel tanker explosions and implement preventive safety measures across the country.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a condolence visit to the Palace of the Emir of Suleja in Niger State. Idris extended the government’s sympathies to victims of the recent tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State.
According to Idris, the committee will include representatives from key stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and tanker drivers’ associations. The team will develop strategies to mitigate risks and enforce stringent safety measures.
“Tanker explosions have become a tragic and recurring phenomenon in Nigeria, with devastating consequences on lives, infrastructure, and the economy,” Idris noted. He emphasized that the government is prioritizing public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the dangers of scooping spilled fuel and the importance of road safety.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Nentawe Yilwatda, joined Idris during the visit, reiterating the government’s commitment to proactive measures to reduce these incidents. Public safety campaigns, led by Idris’ ministry, will aim to foster greater awareness of the risks associated with fuel transportation.
President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the tragic explosion at Dikko Junction, which claimed over 80 lives, leaving many injured. Similarly, Vice President Kashim Shettima decried the recurring tanker explosions and underscored the need for decisive action.
The committee’s formation comes in response to a series of devastating tanker incidents, including the explosion in Delta State on January 5, 2025, which killed four people and injured three others. Other recent tragedies include the Jigawa fuel tanker explosion in October 2024, claiming over 170 lives, and a collision in September 2024 in Niger State that resulted in 59 fatalities.
The government has pledged to enhance road infrastructure, enforce stricter regulations, and explore alternative means of fuel transportation, such as pipelines and rail, as part of long-term solutions to this national crisis.
By Taiwo Olatinwo | January 20, 2025
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