Ibadan: The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a warning against the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from accidented tankers. This warning comes in response to numerous incidents that have resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the agency’s Head of Operations in Ibadan, Mr. Kadiri Olanrewaju, emphasized this warning during a sensitisation programme on tanker fire accidents held at Akinyele Local Government Area (LGA) of Ibadan. The event was organized in collaboration with the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA) and other stakeholders.
Olanrewaju highlighted the strategic location of Akinyele LGA as a major route for trailers traveling from the northern to southern parts of the country. He stated that the campaign is crucial for raising awareness among critical stakeholders in communities along these routes. He also mentioned that the campaign, which started in Ogun, is set to move to Osun soon, with a focus on promoting grassroots-level awareness to prevent the unnecessary loss of lives and property.
The agency has urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant bodies to enforce laws against underage driving and ensure proper certification and retraining of drivers. Mrs. Ojuolape Busari, the Administrative Secretary of OYSEMA, stressed the involvement of Community Development Associations (CDAs) in the campaign to reach a broader audience. She called for stringent penalties for those caught scooping fuel, noting that the lack of serious punishment has perpetuated this risky behavior.
The Executive Chairman of Akinyele LGA, Akinwole Akinyele, proposed that fuel transportation be shifted to the rail system, leaving tankers for intra-city transport. He called for an urgent review of laws and policies concerning fire services and road safety to align with modern requirements. Akinyele underscored the importance of implementing stricter regulations on fuel transportation, vehicle maintenance, and driver training to enhance the safety of the fuel distribution system in Nigeria.
The event, which featured technical sessions, lectures, and presentations from the FRSC, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Fire Service, and traditional and market leaders, aimed to provide comprehensive insights into the dangers associated with tanker fire accidents and the necessary preventive measures.