Niger Tanker Explosion: President Tinubu Establishes Urgent Investigative Committee

President Tinubu has inaugurated a high-powered investigative committee to determine the root causes of Saturday’s tragic petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, along the Dikko-Maje Minna road in Gurara Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State. The committee comprises key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) union.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who led a federal delegation to condole with the Emir of Suleja, HRH Sarkin Zazzau Suleja, Mohammed Awwal, emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing future occurrences. Addressing the Emir, Idris lamented the series of similar tanker explosions since September 2024, which have claimed over 265 lives. He revealed that President Bola Tinubu had directed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify public education campaigns to discourage residents from scooping fuel from accident sites, a practice that has led to many fatalities.

Tinubu, Buhari, and Shettima Mourn Victims

President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling for greater caution among Nigerians regarding accident scenes involving fuel-laden tankers. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu conveyed his condolences to the affected families and the Niger State government. President Tinubu underscored the preventable nature of the tragedy, stressing that many of the victims had rushed to the scene to collect Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the overturned tanker.

The President Tinubu directed authorities to ensure adequate medical care for survivors and implement stringent measures to prevent similar disasters in the future. Additionally, he ordered the NOA to launch a nationwide public awareness campaign on the dangers of fuel scooping and its environmental risks.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari also mourned the victims and expressed disappointment over the continued disregard for warnings against fuel scooping. In a statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu, Buhari extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Niger State. Vice President Kashim Shettima also expressed sadness over the tragic loss of lives and urged authorities to implement stricter safety protocols to avert future occurrences.

NUPENG Blames Poor Road Infrastructure

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has attributed the frequent tanker accidents to the deplorable state of Nigerian roads. In a joint statement issued by its President, Prince Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, the union called on the Federal Government to prioritize the repair of major highways to reduce such preventable tragedies.

NUPENG extended its condolences to the affected families and commended emergency responders for their swift action in rescuing injured victims. The union reiterated its commitment to driver safety training, highlighting its ongoing collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other agencies to enhance road safety awareness among petroleum tanker drivers. Furthermore, it urged the government to intensify public sensitization campaigns on the dangers of fuel scooping and reckless behavior at accident sites.

First Lady and Other Leaders Express Grief

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives in the Niger tanker explosion. In a statement, she condoled with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and the grieving families, describing the incident as a tragic and avoidable loss. She called for prayers for the victims and their loved ones, while emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.

As investigations into the cause of the accident continue, Nigerians await concrete government action to curb the alarming recurrence of fuel tanker explosions. The tragic incident at Dikko Junction adds to a growing list of avoidable disasters, underscoring the urgent need for improved road infrastructure, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and heightened public awareness on fuel tanker accidents.