The tragic tanker explosion along the Benin-Lagos Expressway near Oluku in Benin City, Edo State, which claimed lives and left several others with severe burns, has again brought to the fore the urgent need for intensified public sensitisation on the dangers of scooping fuel from accident scenes.
Despite repeated warnings by emergency responders and security agencies, many Nigerians continue to risk their lives by gathering around fallen petroleum tankers to collect spilled fuel, a practice safety experts have repeatedly described as a “suicide mission.”
Industry stakeholders have called on the National Orientation Agency (NOA), state governments, local authorities, traditional institutions and community leaders to significantly scale up awareness campaigns aimed at educating citizens about the deadly consequences of fuel scooping.
According to safety experts, petroleum vapour is highly flammable and can ignite instantly through the slightest spark, static electricity or other ignition sources. Beyond the obvious risk to human life, attempts to siphon fuel from damaged tankers often obstruct emergency personnel and road safety officials from securing accident scenes and carrying out rescue operations.
NUPENG Tanker Drivers Commended for Safety Commitment
Amid recurring tanker-related incidents, stakeholders have commended the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) for its sustained efforts to promote safety in the transportation and distribution of petroleum products across the country to cater to industrial, commercial and domestic use.
The union has consistently invested in nationwide safety campaigns, regular seminars, training programmes and refresher courses designed to improve drivers’ competence, reduce accidents and strengthen compliance with industry minimum safety standards.
Through various initiatives, the PTD has continued to entrench discipline, accountability, educate drivers on vehicle operations, road safety regulations, defensive driving techniques and the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or illicit substances.
The branch has also conducted extensive safety training exercises across strategic locations including Lagos, Warri, Kaduna and Port Harcourt Zones of PTD, while maintaining partnerships with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and other regulatory agencies to improve operational standards within the sector.
Industry observers argue that while tanker drivers are often unfairly blamed whenever accidents occur, many of the underlying causes stem from systemic challenges beyond the control of the drivers themselves.
Drivers Face Difficult Operating Environment
Petroleum tanker drivers remain among the most vulnerable transport workers in the country, navigating poor road infrastructure, security threats, harsh working conditions and long-distance journeys to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products for domestic, commercial and industrial use.
Many highways across the country are plagued by potholes, collapsed shoulders, inadequate drainage systems and deteriorating road surfaces that expose heavy-duty tankers carrying between 33,000 and 45,000 litres of fuel to significant risks.
Drivers are often required to spend between 12 and 24 hours behind the wheel, travelling across multiple states under challenging weather and traffic conditions. Experts say such demanding schedules increase fatigue, impair concentration and heighten the likelihood of accidents.
In addition, tanker operators face harassment and extortion from unauthorized groups, criminal elements and unscrupulous actors who exploit traffic gridlocks and vehicle breakdowns.
Health concerns also remain a major challenge, as prolonged sitting, poor nutrition, heat exposure, stress and inadequate rest continue to affect the physical and mental well-being of many drivers.
Government Urged to Deepen Intervention
While acknowledging the Federal Government’s efforts to improve road infrastructure and strengthen safety enforcement, stakeholders insist that more coordinated action is urgently required from all tiers of government.
They argue that state and local governments must complement federal interventions by maintaining feeder roads, improving emergency response systems, installing safety infrastructure and supporting sustained public enlightenment campaigns.
Stakeholders further urged authorities to introduce more rest areas for drivers, strengthen vehicle inspection mechanisms, improve road maintenance and enforce stricter penalties against individuals who endanger lives by attempting to scoop fuel from damaged tankers.
FRSC, Industry Partners Receive Praise
Commendation was also extended to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and industry operators for deploying technology-driven safety measures, including onboard cameras in petroleum tankers to monitor driver behaviour and discourage dangerous speeding.
The ongoing push for standardized driver certification, periodic health screenings and mandatory refresher training programmes has equally been welcomed as a critical step towards improving safety outcomes in the petroleum transportation sector.
A National Responsibility
Stakeholders stressed that reducing tanker-related fatalities requires a collective effort involving government agencies, transport unions, road users and local communities.
They maintained that while tanker drivers continue to play a critical role in keeping Nigeria’s economy running, protecting lives must remain the overriding priority.
“The loss of lives witnessed in many tanker incidents is often compounded not only by the accident itself but by the dangerous practice of fuel scooping. Public education must be intensified, infrastructure improved and safety standards strengthened. Tanker drivers should be supported, not condemned, for performing one of the most demanding and hazardous jobs in the nation’s economy,” a stakeholder stated.
As Nigeria continues to confront the challenge of road accidents involving petroleum tankers, observers insist that lasting solutions will require sustained investment in infrastructure, stronger public awareness campaigns and unwavering commitment to safety by all stakeholders.
About the Author
Emmanuel Ajibulu is an infopreneur, writer, communication consultant, and social media influencer. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Veracity Desk (veracitydesk.com), a general-purpose online news platform. In addition to his editorial work, he provides expertise in strategic communications, digital engagement, and thought leadership. Emmanuel is passionate about shaping narratives that drive social impact and corporate excellence.
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