Niger Fuel Tanker Tragedy: A Lesson Yet To Be Learned -By Abubakar Musa Idris

Tragedy struck again in Nigeria on Saturday as a devastating fuel tanker explosion claimed lives and left others injured, highlighting the alarming reoccurrence of such disasters.

Just last year, precisely on October 15, 2024, a fuel tanker in Majiya town, Jigawa State erupted in flames after residents rushed out to scoop petrol from it. This tragic incident claimed the lives of over 150 people, leaving countless others injured and traumatized. Unfortunately, this year, we have witnessed another devastating fuel tanker accident in the Dikko area of Niger state, resulting in the loss of over 80 lives.

The frequency of these accidents raises a disturbing question: Why do Nigerians continue to risk their lives scooping fuel from tankers, despite the evident dangers?
Is it a lack of awareness about the risks involved,or is the harsh economic situation that forces people to take these drastic measures?

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria recorded over 300 fuel tanker accidents between 2020 and 2022. Alarmingly, the FRSC listed fuel tanker accidents as one of the leading causes of road crashes in 2020, resulting in more than 535 fatalities.

Experts attribute the persistence of fuel scooping to a combination of factors, including poverty, unemployment, and a lack of access to affordable fuel. “Many Nigerians are forced to scoop fuel due to economic necessity,” says Dr. Afolabi, a safety expert. “However, this practice is not only hazardous but also perpetuates a culture of recklessness.”

Unfortunately, the recent fuel tanker accident in Nigeria is not an isolated incident. Just last year, a fuel tanker accident in Minna, Niger State, killed over 50 people. In 2022, a fuel tanker crashed on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, killing 12 people. Similar incidents have occurred in Kaduna, resulting in significant loss of life and property. These recurring tragedies highlight the need for urgent action to address the root causes of fuel tanker accidents in Nigeria.

The dangers of fuel scooping are real and devastating. The risk of explosions, fires, and spills is ever-present, and the consequences can be catastrophic.

To address this issue, the government and relevant stakeholders must take concrete steps. One of the first steps to combat the menace of fuel scooping and ensure road safety is to launch targeted public education and awareness campaigns.

It is imperative to launch targeted public education and awareness campaigns. These campaigns should focus on educating the public about the dangers of fuel scooping, the importance of road safety, and the consequences of reckless behavior. Raising awareness and promoting a culture of safety are crucial steps in reducing the incidence of fuel tanker accidents and saving lives.

Enhancing safety regulations is another critical strategy in preventing fuel scooping and ensuring accountability. Strengthening existing laws and regulations, as well as enforcing stricter safety standards for fuel transportation, storage, and handling, can help prevent accidents. This, in turn, reduces the risk of fuel tanker accidents and protects lives and property.

Investing in improved road infrastructure and fuel storage facilities is also essential in reducing the risk of accidents and spills. Upgrading roads to reduce congestion and improve safety, as well as building modern fuel storage facilities that meet international safety standards, are key measures to consider. Such investments not only reduce the risk of fuel tanker accidents but also protect lives and property, and promote economic growth and development.

As Nigerians mourn the lives lost in these tragic accidents, we must also recognize the need for collective action. It is important that the government, stakeholders, and individuals join forces in addressing the root causes of fuel scooping and ensuring a safer future for all Nigerians.

These fuel tanker tragedies represent more than just statistics,they are a stark reminder of the human cost of systemic failures. While immediate actions like public education and stricter regulations are crucial, the real test lies in Nigeria’s ability to create an environment where citizens no longer feel compelled to risk their lives for fuel. Until we achieve this fundamental change, we will continue to count losses instead of progress.

Abubakar Musa Idris
Prnigeria fellow
abkidris99@gmail.com