5 ways to ensure petrol tanker safety
In Nigeria, fuel tanker accidents frequently result in fires, leading to devastating losses of lives and property.
Additionally, many fatalities have occurred when citizens attempting to scoop fuel from fallen tankers were caught in subsequent explosions.
On January 27, 2025, a tanker laden with 40,000 litres of fuel crashed and burst into flames in Niger State. While no lives were lost, the driver and his conductor sustained injuries and were rushed to a general hospital for treatment.
A more devastating fuel tanker explosion occurred on January 25, 2025, at Ugwu Onyeama along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Enugu State. The incident claimed at least 18 lives and left over 50 people injured.
A week earlier, a fuel tanker carrying roughly 60,000 litres of petrol overturned at the Dikko Junction near Suleja, Niger State, prompting local residents to gather and collect the spilt fuel.
The fuel promptly ignited, causing an explosion that killed 98 people and injured 69, while at least 52 of them critically.
Similarly, on October 15, 2024, about 120 people were killed in Majia town, Jigawa State, when a petrol-laden tanker crashed and exploded as residents jostled to scoop fuel spilt during the incident.
The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, called for a holistic and multi-sectoral approach to addressing the persistent incidents of tanker fires, which he attributed to human error, vehicle integrity, mechanical failures, and a lack of precautionary safety measures.
He explained that transporting petroleum products across vast distances increases the likelihood of crashes.
“There is nowhere else where petroleum products are transported by trucks over such long distances by road. It is inherently dangerous,” Mohammed said.
He also identified the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from crashed tankers, which has led to secondary fatalities after tanker accidents.
“We are meeting with all relevant stakeholders to brainstorm and implement solutions. This includes sensitising the public about the dangers of scooping fuel and ensuring proper tanker safety standards,” Mohammed added.
Similarly, the National Orientation Agency said it had intensified its public awareness campaign against the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from crashed tankers, warning citizens to avoid such actions to prevent tragic accidents.
Five ways to ensure tanker safety
Hire qualified drivers
A logistics expert, Ebenezer Akintunde, explained that most auto accidents are caused by driving error, and the best way to minimise this is by ensuring that only qualified drivers operate fuel tankers.
“Companies responsible for marketing and transporting fuel should make sure that their employees have the required licences, certification, and training. No one should be allowed to even turn the wheel if they do not have expertise in this area.
“If the individual hired is a new driver, there should be a period of supervised driving, including ride-along with a more experienced driver as part of their training programme,” he said.
Understand risk factors
“There are different risk factors involved in driving fuel tankers,” said a health and safety officer, Bernard Emmanuel. “The roads could be bad, the vehicle could be faulty, and the driver may take a sudden steering movement that could lead to a rollover.
“Tanker rollovers can occur when you least expect them. Therefore, drivers must understand when they are most at risk and know the real causes of rollovers.
“Tanker drivers must also avoid consuming alcoholic beverages, as this may interfere with their cognitive abilities and alertness.”
Use three-point entry/exit
Emmanuel explained that to prevent slips and falls, especially when driving on roads covered with water or mud, drivers should always use at least three points of contact (one hand and two feet, or two hands and one foot) when entering or exiting the tanker driver’s seat.
“The safest way to exit the truck is by backing out—that is, avoiding stepping out sideways, facing forward, or jumping straight to the ground,” he added.
Prioritise wellness
Highlighting the need for drivers to maintain a healthy diet and activity level, Akintunde noted that poor health can lead to fatigue, affect performance, and consequently increase the risk of an accident.
“Drivers need to go for regular medical check-ups and be properly informed on how to manage health conditions common among truck or tanker drivers. They should also be sensitised about eating healthily and exercising,” he said.
Avoid distractions
“The use of mobile phones by tanker drivers is a major cause of road distraction,” Emmanuel said. “There should be strict rules limiting phone use while driving or enforcing the use of hands-free devices.
“Sending or reading text messages while driving increases the risk of accidents. Many drivers already know this, but when there is poor enforcement, these rules are not followed as they should be.”
By implementing these safety measures, fuel transporters can help prevent tanker-related disasters and protect lives and property.
