By Saadatu Muhammed
As the sun sets over the bustling streets of Nigeria, The once-familiar sight of petrol tankers has morphed into a daily nightmare, striking fear into the lives of millions, menace of petrol tankers bursting in flames as a result of avoidable crashes. In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in petrol tanker-related accidents, resulting in devastating loss of life, property damage, and environmental degradation. The most vulnerable areas, such as Lagos, Anambra, Abuja, Niger, Kano, Jigawa and Enugu States have become hotspots for these tragedies. The root causes of these accidents are multifaceted, ranging from reckless driving, poor vehicle maintenance, and inadequate road infrastructure to human error and sabotage.
It is commendable that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) successfully responded to the recent fuel tanker explosions in Niger and Enugu
States. However, it is imperative that reflect on the importance of disaster prevention and the roles of various stakeholders in preventing such avoidable disasters.
It is also on record that NEMA has conducted numerous public enlightenment campaigns in major cities and towns, using various media channels to disseminate information on disaster prevention and response.
The sensitization campaigns by NEMA were conducted in two ways. The first was the traditional approach whereby key messages are relayed to the audiences being targeted through sustained exposures on powerful print and electronic media platforms, the distribution of informative posters and leaflets as well as dissemination on the social media handles of NEMA.
The second approach was public sensitization programmes through the use of platforms such as seminars and workshops. At such fora top officials of NEMA and subject – matter experts, who serve as resource persons, drive the sensitization messages home robustly.
Adopting the latter strategy, NEMA has been at the forefront of sensitization campaigns on explosive materials disaster prevention. The efforts have focused on educating the public, particularly tanker drivers, transporters, and communities along tanker routes, on the dangers of fuel tanker explosions and the importance of adhering to safety protocols.
Focusing on Tanker Drivers’ Sensitization, we have specifically targeted tanker drivers, providing them with training and sensitization on safe driving practices, vehicle maintenance, and emergency response procedures.
For instance, in mid-December 2024, the NEMA Kano Territorial Office, Kaduna, and the Zonal Offices, conducted a comprehensive training and sensitization campaign aimed at equipping grassroots emergency responders and stakeholders with essential knowledge and skills to prevent and manage tanker accidents and fire outbreaks.
The initiative, which targeted mitigating the impact of fire incidents during the harmattan season and beyond, focused on awareness creation, practical demonstrations, and stakeholder engagement.
The programme commenced at the NNPC Depot in Hotoro, where members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association were sensitized on the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of adhering , to safety measures. This session emphasized preventive strategies to minimize the risk of tanker accidents and fire outbreaks.
Key highlights of the campaign included presentations and practical demonstrations on fire prevention, safety protocols, and response strategies during emergencies, especially involving tanker accidents and fire outbreaks in homes and public places, and training on Volunteerism and First Aid.
The campaign touched on the dangers and causes of fire outbreaks, negligence in handling flammable substances, poor electrical installations and their associated risks, essential safety tips and the dissemination of emergency contact numbers.
The initiative also emphasized the pivotal role of Grassroots Emergency Management Volunteers (GEMV) in reducing the impact of fire incidents through proactive involvement and community collaboration.
The key stakeholders engaged included Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nigerian Red Cross Society; Federal Fire Service, Kano State Fire Service, Representatives of NNPC Depot, Kano Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association; community leaders; and Volunteers and Corps Members.
In terms of community engagement, NEMA has also been engaging with communities along tanker routes, educating them on the risks associated with fuel tanker explosions and the importance of reporting any suspicious activities or vehicle faults.
With regards to collaboration with stakeholders as pointed out earlier, NEMA has been collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), in order to promote a culture of safety and responsibility.
Despite these efforts, the recent fuel tanker explosion in Niger State, Enugu State,underscores the need for greater vigilance and collective responsibility. It is imperative that all stakeholders play their part in preventing such disasters.
While the Federal Government and Governments at the State and Local levels continue to deepen the provision of road transport and allied infrastructure, enforce policies, and support emergency response efforts, various stakeholders also have important roles to play.
For example, Tanker Drivers and Transporters must adhere to safety protocols, ensure vehicle maintenance, and drive defensively. On the other hand, regulatory agencies must continue to enforce strict regulations and penalties for non-compliance.
Community leaders must consistently deploy all available avenues like the churches, mosques parks, schools ,Gathering and market square to emphasize the need for safety precautions in case of accident and the dangers of engaging in scooping of fuel and other petroleum products. On their part, members of communities must report any suspicious activities or vehicle faults and cooperate with emergency responders.
In conclusion, it is important to underscore that preventing fuel tanker explosions requires a collective effort from all stakeholders. As NEMA continues to sensitize the public and respond to emergencies, we urge all Nigerians to take responsibility for their actions and join us in promoting a culture of safety and disaster prevention across our country, as life of millions depends on it
Together, we can prevent avoidable disasters and ensure a safer, resilient Nigeria for all.
Saadatu Muhammed is a staff of NEMA Press unit, at the Headquarters Abuja.
