Financial Energy Review
The federal government has called for urgent and collective action to address the safety challenges surrounding the transportation of petroleum products in Nigeria. Speaking at the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) webinar, held in Lagos, with the theme, “Improving Safe Transportation of Petroleum Products,” the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, highlighted the grave issues contributing to frequent tanker accidents, which result in devastating loss of lives and property.
“I am delighted to be here today to engage with all of you on an issue that has plagued our nation for years—the safety of petroleum product transportation,” Senator Lokpobiri began his keynote address. “I don’t want to repeat what has already been said, but let’s be clear: tank accidents are costing lives, and this must stop.”
The Minister identified several key factors contributing to the high incidence of accidents. He cited the poor condition of the trucks, inadequate driver training, and overloading as major culprits. “Some of these tankers are overloaded, carrying as much as 60,000 liters, well beyond the recommended capacity. When these trucks hit a pothole, they risk falling over, leading to deadly fires and explosions,” he explained.
In response to these challenges, Lokpobiri commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which has announced plans to introduce 500 new trucks equipped with modern safety features in the first quarter of the year. He stressed that the responsibility for improving safety lies not only with the government but also with private stakeholders in the oil and gas sector. “It is commendable that NNPC is taking the lead in modernizing the fleet, but this is only the beginning. We need to work together—government, industry players, and the public—to make our roads safer.”
The Minister also acknowledged the role of the government in ensuring that safety standards are met. “The Ministry of Petroleum Resources, in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Resources, the Fire Service, and other relevant agencies, is committed to enforcing regulations that protect lives and property,” Lokpobiri said. “But it’s not just about enforcement; we need the cooperation of all stakeholders.”
One of the key areas of concern raised by the Minister was the lack of proper training for truck drivers. “Many drivers are not adequately trained to handle such dangerous cargo,” he pointed out. “Safety starts with the person behind the wheel, and that is why we must ensure that every driver in this sector undergoes rigorous training before being allowed to operate these trucks.”
He also called for a change in mindset among stakeholders, urging them to prioritize safety over economic interests. “It is better to have fewer trucks on the road that are well-maintained and operated by well-trained drivers than to risk lives by using outdated, faulty vehicles,” Lokpobiri said. “We must make safety a priority.”
In addition to the improvement of trucks and driver training, the Minister stressed the importance of public awareness. He urged Nigerians to refrain from approaching accident sites, where they often risk further injury or death by igniting explosions. “When you see a truck accident, stay away. Don’t be a part of the tragedy. We’ve seen horrific incidents where hundreds of lives were lost because of people unknowingly igniting fires,” Lokpobiri cautioned.
Meanwhile, in his contribution the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, highlighted the critical need for improved safety in the transportation of petroleum products.
Ekpo who was represented by Mr. Abel Igheghe, stressed that ensuring the safe movement of petroleum products across the country is a matter of national importance. “This is not just an industry concern; it affects lives, businesses, and the environment. As a government, we recognize the need for a collective approach involving regulators, marketers, transporters, and enforcement agencies,” he stated.
The Minister identified critical challenges in the logistics framework, including poor road infrastructure, noncompliance with safety regulations, driver fatigue, and gaps in training. He also highlighted the inadequacies in emergency response mechanisms and called for stricter enforcement of safety protocols.
“Some of our measures to address these issues include strengthening regulations through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority, and intensifying safety training for petroleum truck operators,” Ekpo added. He also encouraged industry stakeholders to adopt alternative transportation methods like pipelines and railways, and embrace the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) for trucks.
Ekpo concluded by urging all stakeholders—marketers, transporters, and drivers—to prioritize safety, adopt best practices, and work collaboratively to reduce accidents and improve efficiency in the sector. “Ensuring the safe transportation of petroleum products is a shared responsibility. Together, we can make our logistics safer and more sustainable,” he said.
The Minister’s call for collective action was met with strong support from the attendees, setting the stage for deeper collaboration in the sector.
