NMDPRA, NUPENG seek reforms as fuel tankers claim 474 lives

Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has said fuel tanker accidents claimed 474 lives between 2022 and 2025, and called for reforms to address stop the tragedies.

NMDPRA Chief Executive Officer, Farouk Ahmed, disclosed the figures during a stakeholder engagement in Abuja, emphasising the urgent need for interventions to curb the rising fatalities.

“The public is watching helplessly and expecting action to protect lives and property. These accidents are unnecessary and unacceptable. They must be prevented and brought down to zero,” Ahmed stated.

Ahmed underscored the need for stricter enforcement of safety policies, improved road infrastructure and enhanced driver training. He cited ongoing efforts, including the Minimum Industry Safety Training for Downstream Operators (MISTDO) programme, which focuses on training drivers, motor boys and other personnel.

Similarly, stakeholders, including transport unions and industry leaders at the event called for immediate reforms as the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) General Secretary, Olawale Afolabi, decried the rising toll.

Stressing that political will was critical to enforcing safety measures, he said: “We have been at the forefront of reducing these accidents. We introduced a health insurance scheme for tanker drivers to ensure they receive medical care before hitting the road.” He also blamed poor road conditions, emphasising that even the most skilled drivers could not navigate unsafe roads without risk.

Beyond safety concerns, economic hardships are making matters worse for truck owners. According to Afolabi, a single fuel truck costs around N150 million, making losses from accidents financially devastating.

While stakeholders pledged to support regulatory efforts, they urged authorities to adopt fair policies that protect both lives and businesses. “Pushing investors out of business won’t solve the problem; we need balanced, enforceable regulations,” Afolabi added.

Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Yusuf Othman, attributed many of the accidents to bad roads and inadequate manpower.

“Petroleum products are highly flammable, and transporting them on poorly maintained roads is a disaster waiting to happen. The government must expedite road rehabilitation projects,” Othman warned. He urged the public to exercise caution around fuel tankers, noting that even stationary petroleum trucks pose a serious hazard.