Lokpobiri visits site of Jigawa petrol tanker explosion

Senator Heineken Lokpobiri visits Jigawa State following a deadly petrol tanker explosion, promising stricter safety regulations in the transportation of petroleum products. — Senator Heineken Lokpobiri (middle) during his visit to the scene of the deadly petrol tanker explosion in Jigawa.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has visited the site of the tragic petrol tanker explosion in Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State. Accompanied by officials from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Minister extended the Federal Government’s heartfelt condolences to the people of Jigawa over the devastating incident.

The Minister’s visit began at the Government House in Dutse, where he met with the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi. Senator Lokpobiri expressed deep sympathy on behalf of the Federal Government, acknowledging the loss of lives caused by the explosion. He also underscored the critical need for improved safety measures in the transportation of petroleum products across the country.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, I extend our deepest condolences to the Government and good people of Jigawa State. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that only licensed and certified drivers convey petroleum products. We are collaborating with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to enforce stricter safety standards,” the Minister said.

He further revealed ongoing discussions with the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Mr. Shehu Mohammed, aimed at developing a joint framework to regulate the certification of tanker drivers. This partnership between the NMDPRA and FRSC, Senator Lokpobiri explained, would be essential in preventing future accidents and ensuring safer transportation of petroleum products.

Governor Namadi, while receiving the Minister, thanked the Federal Government for its support and expressed his deep concern over the frequent occurrence of tanker-related accidents in the state.

“We are truly pained by this loss, and it is our hope that through stronger regulations and partnerships, we can prevent these tragedies from recurring,” the Governor said.

At the incident site in Majiya Town, Senator Lokpobiri appealed to Nigerians to cooperate with the government in avoiding scenes of accidents.

“We urge citizens to resist the temptation of getting close to such incidents. It is crucial for public safety. The Federal Government is committed to ensuring that such occurrences are minimized, and our efforts, including the NMDPRA-FRSC partnership, will ensure safer roads for Nigerians,” the Minister assured.

Senator Lokpobiri reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to reinforcing regulations and safety protocols in the transportation of petroleum products, assuring the people of Jigawa State of ongoing support during this trying period.