FG to Ban 60,000-Litre Fuel Tankers from Roads Effective March 1
The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has announced a ban on 60,000-litre fuel tankers from operating on Nigerian roads, effective March 1, 2025. The move, aimed at reducing road accidents involving heavy-duty petroleum tankers, has sparked mixed reactions from stakeholders and the public.
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Ogbugo Ukoha, NMDPRA’s Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retail Infrastructure, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday. He explained that the decision was part of 10 resolutions adopted by a technical stakeholders’ committee to mitigate truck-related incidents and fatalities.
The ban comes in the wake of a tragic petrol tanker explosion on January 18 at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, which claimed over 50 lives and left many others injured. Such incidents have become alarmingly frequent, raising concerns about the safety of transporting petroleum products on Nigeria’s poorly maintained roads.
Stakeholders’ Consensus and Implementation
The stakeholders’ committee included key agencies such as the Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). Others were the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), and the NMDPRA.
According to Ukoha, the committee agreed that from March 1, no truck exceeding an axle load of 60,000 litres of hydrocarbon would be allowed to load at any depot. “For the first time, consensus was built amongst all stakeholders, and we’re continuing to encourage that we will work together cohesively to deliver safe transportation of petroleum products across the country,” he said.
Public Skepticism and Unaddressed Challenges
While the ban is a step in the right direction, critics argue that it fails to address the root causes of tanker accidents, such as poor road infrastructure, inadequate enforcement of safety standards, and the lack of alternative transport systems like pipelines and railways.
Many Nigerians have expressed skepticism, questioning whether the government has the capacity to enforce the ban effectively. Past regulations, such as the mandatory installation of speed limiters and the use of safety valves on tankers, have been poorly enforced, leading to repeated accidents.
Additionally, the ban could exacerbate the already high cost of transporting petroleum products, which may ultimately be passed on to consumers in the form of higher fuel prices. This is particularly concerning given the current economic hardship, with inflation soaring and the naira losing value against the dollar.
Claims of Poor-Quality Petrol Dismissed
Ukoha also addressed recent claims in a viral video alleging that petrol sold by MRS Oil lasts longer than that of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). He dismissed the allegations as “bogus, misleading, and unscientific,” stressing that all imported and locally refined petroleum products must meet strict regulatory standards before entering the market.
“Before any product is distributed in Nigeria, the regulator ensures that from the load port of the product, whether from a domestic refinery or imported from outside the country, accredited laboratories must test every product and duly issue certificates of quality,” he explained.
He added that hydrocarbons are naturally impure compounds, and specifications provide a range of acceptable values. Parameters such as sulfur content, density, color, and oxygenate levels are strictly monitored to ensure compliance with Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) specifications.
Decline in Petrol Consumption Post-Subsidy Removal
Ukoha revealed that Nigeria’s daily petrol consumption has declined significantly since the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023. From an average of 66 million litres per day before the subsidy removal, consumption has dropped to around 50 million litres daily.
He attributed the decline to the sharp increase in petrol prices following the subsidy removal, which has forced many Nigerians to cut back on fuel usage. However, he noted that domestic refineries currently contribute less than 50% of the country’s daily petrol needs, with the shortfall being met through imports.
“If the shortfall is not bridged, the country could face a scarcity,” Ukoha warned, emphasizing the regulator’s commitment to ensuring sufficient petroleum product supply nationwide.
A Call for Comprehensive Solutions
While the ban on 60,000-litre tankers is a welcome development, it is only a partial solution to a multifaceted problem. To achieve lasting results, the government must address the underlying issues, including:
Poor Road Infrastructure: Many of Nigeria’s roads are in deplorable condition, making them unsafe for heavy-duty vehicles. The government must prioritize road maintenance and rehabilitation.
Alternative Transport Systems: The reliance on tankers for fuel distribution highlights the need for alternative systems such as pipelines and railways. The government should expedite the completion of ongoing pipeline projects and revive the rail network for cargo transportation.
Strict Enforcement of Safety Standards: Existing regulations, such as the use of safety valves and speed limiters, must be enforced rigorously to prevent accidents.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating drivers and the public on road safety measures can help reduce accidents and fatalities.
The ban on 60,000-litre fuel tankers is a step toward improving road safety and reducing tanker-related accidents. However, without addressing the root causes of these incidents, the measure may prove ineffective in the long run. The government must adopt a holistic approach, combining regulatory measures with infrastructure development and strict enforcement, to ensure the safe transportation of petroleum products and protect the lives of Nigerians.
Until then, the ban remains a well-intentioned but incomplete solution to a deeply entrenched problem.