The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has raised serious concerns over the alarming rate of tanker explosions and fire-related disasters across Nigeria, urging immediate and coordinated preventive measures to avert further tragedies.
Speaking during a one-day public awareness programme in Lokoja, the Deputy Director of NEMA, Zakari Abubakar, disclosed that incidents involving fuel tankers have resulted in the loss of over 1,500 lives nationwide. The event was organised by the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA) to sensitise the public on the dangers of tanker-related accidents and fire disasters.
Abubakar stressed that one of the most dangerous and recurring issues is the act of scooping fuel from fallen tankers—a reckless behavior that has repeatedly led to deadly explosions. He warned strongly against this practice, describing it as a highly condemnable act that has caused more harm than good.
“Today’s event reflects NEMA’s unwavering commitment to strengthen disaster management mechanisms across all levels—Federal, State, Local Government, and community. Through collaboration with key stakeholders, we aim to promote a culture of preparedness and enhance community resilience to emergencies,” Abubakar explained.
He noted that fuel tanker accidents in Nigeria are largely the result of a combination of issues, including dilapidated road networks, poorly maintained vehicles, driver negligence, and systemic regulatory lapses. From January 2009 to October 2024 alone, Nigeria recorded over 100 fuel tanker accidents, which claimed more than 1,500 lives.
Highlighting recent examples, Abubakar recalled the tragic incident in Niger State where a tanker explosion led to the death of over 80 individuals and left several others severely injured.
He also cited a January 2025 explosion in Agbor, Delta State, which killed five people after a tanker lost control, as well as the October 2024 disaster in Jigawa State, which resulted in the death of more than 150 people.
“These catastrophic incidents are stark reminders of the urgent need to address root causes such as incompetent drivers, overloading, brake failures, and the presence of fuel stations in densely populated residential areas,” he said. “We must also eliminate unsafe practices like parking tankers on busy roads and scooping fuel after accidents.”
According to Abubakar, the sensitisation programme was designed to expose participants to the common causes of tanker accidents and outline comprehensive strategies for prevention, preparedness, and emergency response.
Echoing the urgency of the situation, the Executive Secretary of KOSEMA, Mouktar Atimah, assured that Kogi State remains fully committed to disaster management efforts.
He stated that the government has deployed proactive measures, including continuous public awareness campaigns and the identification of high-risk areas prone to tanker-related accidents and fire disasters.
Atimah emphasized that the state is working tirelessly to reduce the risk of future tragedies by ensuring that residents are informed, alert, and ready to respond effectively to emergency situations.
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