Disaster Averted as Fuel Tanker Overturns Near NIMASA Office in Lagos

A potential tragedy was narrowly avoided on Tuesday evening after a fuel-laden tanker overturned and spilled its contents in front of the Nigerian Maritime Resources Development Centre, a facility of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), located in Kirikiri, Lagos.

The incident, which occurred along the busy Kirikiri axis, prompted swift action from emergency responders, who immediately cordoned off a 500-metre radius and halted vehicular movement to prevent a possible explosion.

When Vanguard visited the scene, officials from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and the police were on ground containing the spill and supervising the transloading of fuel from the damaged tanker into another vehicle.

Fortunately, there was no fire outbreak, casualty, or property damage reported as of press time.

Three fire trucks were deployed to the scene to neutralize the flammable spill, while security personnel ensured that both motorists and pedestrians stayed at a safe distance.

A crowd of onlookers gathered nearby, with many shop owners hastily closing their businesses over fears of a possible explosion, though some residents remained close to monitor the situation.

An eyewitness attributed the accident to a large pothole near the NIMASA office, alleging that it was deliberately dug by extortionists to slow vehicles for illicit toll collection.

“No matter how often government repairs the spot, people return at night to dig it again so vehicles can slow down. That’s how road safety officials, police officers, and touts collect money from motorists, especially tanker drivers,” the witness claimed.

Authorities confirmed that the situation was under control as of press time, with cleanup efforts ongoing. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes until the affected section of the road was fully cleared and declared safe.

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