NMDPRA, stakeholders sensitise tanker drivers to curb rising petroleum accidents on highways
By Yunus Yusuf
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in collaboration with key stakeholders, has launched a sensitisation campaign aimed at reducing the frequency of petroleum tanker accidents on Nigerian highways.
The campaign for the Southwest zone was flagged off on Wednesday at the Dangote Refinery Depot in Lagos by the Authority Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Mr Ahmed Farouk, who was represented by Dr Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment, and Community (HSE&C).
Farouk emphasised the need to enlighten petroleum tanker drivers and downstream operators on best practices and the authority’s strategies to prevent truck-in-transit accidents involving petroleum products.
“This initiative is designed to educate tanker drivers on the importance of preventing the spillage of petroleum products, which often results in fire outbreaks, environmental degradation, and loss of lives,” he stated.
According to him, over 15 agencies are participating in the nationwide campaign, which aims to promote public safety and mitigate risks associated with petroleum transport.
He also disclosed that the Federal Government has implemented new safety regulations. Effective March 1, 2025, tankers exceeding 60,000 liters have been banned from operating on Nigerian roads. Furthermore, by the fourth quarter of 2025, only trucks with a maximum capacity of 45,000 liters will be allowed to load petroleum products.
“These decisions stem from the rising number of fatal accidents involving oversized tankers, leading to significant human and economic losses,” he added.
Farouk highlighted that regular training and retraining programs for truck drivers and assistants will be introduced before the end of the year to enhance their capacity and safety consciousness.
He said that NMDPRA is partnering with key agencies including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), NSCDC, NARTO, the Nigerian Police, Army, and the Petroleum Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) for this campaign.
He said that the FRSC will conduct routine checks to ensure drivers are not fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
He added that NMDPRA plans to introduce a color-coding system for tankers to distinguish compliant vehicles from defaulters.
Alhaji Adigun Gbolahan, Zonal Chairman of NUPENG-PTD (Lagos Zone), praised NMDPRA’s efforts, particularly the proposed driver training and heightened awareness campaigns.
He said NUPENG is committed to promoting safety and will reward drivers with a five-year accident-free record.
He also urged tanker drivers to avoid alcohol, observe all safety protocols, and refrain from night driving.
“Any driver found operating after 6:00 p.m. will face sanctions. We’ve also issued official ID cards for drivers to access emergency treatment at hospitals nationwide at no cost,” he said.
Dr Kassim Bataiye, National Operations Coordinator of NARTO, assured drivers of continuous support and said the association would explore better health insurance options for its members.
Assistant Corps Commander Hyginus Omeje of the FRSC lauded the initiative and called for unity among stakeholders in tackling the persistent problem of truck accidents.
He urged operators to prioritize road safety through ongoing driver education and compliance monitoring.
Mallam Haruna Mohammed, a driver with Shafa Energy, appreciated the awareness efforts and welcomed the ban on night journeys with petroleum products, noting that it would reduce robbery and accidents.
Several other drivers also applauded the 45,000-liter loading limit, saying it would improve road safety by discouraging overloaded vehicles.
However, they appealed to NUPENG and employers to review and increase drivers’ salaries, stating that the current wage of less than N100,000 is unsustainable in today’s economy.
The representatives from NUPENG, PTD, FRSC, NSCDC, Police, Navy, NARTO, SON, and various oil and gas operators were present at the sensitization event.
