Tinubu To Set Up Committee To Tackle Tanker Explosions — Minister

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced plans to establish a high-level committee to address the recurring issue of tanker explosions in Nigeria. This follows the tragic incident on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, where 86 people lost their lives, and 55 others sustained injuries while attempting to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker.

The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, revealed this during a condolence visit to the Emir of Suleja on Sunday. He stated that the committee would include representatives from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), tanker drivers’ associations, and other key stakeholders. The goal is to investigate the causes of such incidents and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.

Idris also announced plans for nationwide awareness campaigns on road safety, the safe transportation of fuel tankers, and the dangers of scooping leaked fuel. These campaigns will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Information to educate citizens on avoiding such life-threatening practices.

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Accompanied by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Nentawe Yilwatda, Idris visited hospitals in Suleja where the injured are receiving treatment. The delegation also inspected the Dikko Junction site, which has become a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unsafe fuel transportation.

Saturday’s tragedy adds to a series of tanker explosions that have claimed lives across Nigeria. Earlier this month, five people were killed in a similar incident in Agbor, Delta State. In October 2024, more than 170 lives were lost in Jigawa State due to a tanker fire, while 59 people died in a September 2024 collision between a fuel tanker and a truck in Niger State.

These incidents highlight the risks associated with fuel transportation, especially during Nigeria’s current economic challenges. With petrol prices soaring and inflation exceeding 30%, many Nigerians face immense hardships, driving some to take desperate and dangerous measures.

President Tinubu’s initiative aims to address these pressing issues and ensure safer practices in the transportation and handling of fuel across the country.

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