In a bold move aimed at improving road safety and reducing fatal accidents, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially banned the movement of fuel tankers during nighttime hours across the country. This directive was issued through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) at a sensitisation programme held in Lagos on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed — represented by Dr. Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director of Health, Safety, Environment and Community — stated that henceforth, the movement of petroleum trucks will be restricted to the hours between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. “There should be no night driving. Truck movement should only be between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Anyone caught violating this rule will face strict sanctions,” Lamorde warned.
This decisive measure follows a series of tragic accidents involving petroleum tankers, many of which occurred during late-night operations. These incidents have resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives, destruction of property, and widespread environmental hazards.
Stricter Volume Regulations and Safety Compliance
In addition to the ban on night operations, the NMDPRA has also begun implementing volume restrictions on fuel tankers. According to Lamorde, the current policy limits each tanker to a maximum loading capacity of 60,000 litres. However, by the fourth quarter of 2025, this limit will be further reduced to 45,000 litres per truck.
“The lower the volume, the better the control and response in the event of an accident,” he explained, adding that this move is part of a larger safety overhaul based on the resolutions of a 13-member technical working committee formed on February 19, 2025.
Lamorde also stressed the importance of safe loading practices, revealing that a 10-page safety checklist is now mandatory before loading. The checklist includes criteria such as truck roadworthiness, driver health and training, and proper safety equipment.
Branding, Spill Prevention, and Health Insurance
Another key aspect of the new safety measures is the mandatory colour-coding and branding of all petroleum tankers to enhance traceability and regulatory enforcement. Tankers must also be equipped with anti-spill containment kits to prevent fuel leaks and reduce the risk of explosions in case of accidents.
Meanwhile, drivers have been urged to take advantage of health insurance schemes available to them. Comrade Gbolahan, Zonal Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) arm of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), cautioned against reckless driving and overloading. He emphasized that drivers experiencing any health issues should promptly visit hospitals covered under their insurance plans without paying out-of-pocket expenses.
Support from Industry Stakeholders
Dr. Kassim Ibrahim, National Operational Coordinator of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), praised the initiative, applauding President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the NMDPRA for prioritising driver safety.
“This is the first administration that has taken concrete steps to enhance tanker driver safety. We support this and will keep working with NUPENG and the government to improve operational standards,” Ibrahim said. He advised drivers to avoid alcohol, overspeeding, and other hazardous habits, reiterating, “If you go slowly, you will arrive safely.”
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Assistant Corps Commander Hyginus Omeje also addressed the tanker drivers, urging them to embrace defensive driving techniques. He noted that over 80 percent of road crashes in Nigeria are caused by human error. “The best driver is not the one who overtakes carelessly or drives with one hand, but the one who arrives safely,” Omeje remarked.
He also stressed the need for speed-limiting devices in all tankers and the importance of obeying traffic laws. “Do not let your safety depend on another road user. Whether you are right or wrong, always take the step to avoid an accident,” he advised.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to overhaul its fuel transportation network and safeguard lives on the road. Stakeholders have called for full compliance and continued collaboration to ensure the success of these new safety measures.