The federal government and major petroleum marketers have proposed new safety measures to curb the increasing number of road accidents involving petrol tankers.
During a webinar organized by the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) in Lagos on Thursday, stakeholders expressed concern over the rising incidents, which have led to loss of lives and extensive property damage.
The virtual meeting brought together government officials, regulators, and industry experts, all sharing insights on enhancing safety in petroleum transportation.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, emphasized the urgent need to reduce tanker-related casualties.
He highlighted key safety measures, including improved driver training and the installation of leak detection systems.
Lokpobiri also called for greater collaboration between petroleum marketers and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to enhance driver education.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpo Ekpo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safe movement of petroleum products.
He advocated for alternative transportation methods such as pipelines and railways while stressing the importance of stricter enforcement of safety regulations.
MEMAN Chairman, Huub Stokman, disclosed that the association had developed a comprehensive training manual for tanker drivers. He stressed that continuous training and strict compliance with safety measures are crucial in reducing accidents.
On his part, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Yusuf Othman, called for greater support from petroleum marketers in phasing out old and unsafe tankers.
He identified ageing vehicles as a major cause of accidents and highlighted NARTO’s participation in the federal government’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative as a safer and more cost-effective alternative for fuel transportation.
Additionally, the Executive Secretary of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketing Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), Femi Adewole, noted that while major marketers maintain high standards in truck maintenance and driver training, smaller transporters often struggle due to financial constraints.
He urged the government to provide financial support, such as loans, to help transporters upgrade their fleets with modern and safer tankers.
The stakeholders concluded that these collaborative efforts between the government and industry players would significantly enhance safety in petroleum product transportation and prevent further tragedies on the roads.
