In a bid to curb road accidents involving heavy-duty fuel tankers, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a ban on 60,000-litre tankers from operating on the nation’s roads, effective March 1, 2025.
The move, aimed at enhancing road safety, was disclosed by the Executive Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Ogbugo Ukoha, during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.
During a discussion on Nigeria Info’s Morning Crossfire, NUPENG National Treasurer, Alex Agwanwor, explained the underlying issues contributing to tanker accidents. He argued that drivers do not intentionally cause accidents but are often forced to operate under harsh conditions.
"Most of these things are caused by bad roads, not mostly by the recklessness of drivers," he said.
The conversation also drew comparisons with road safety regulations in the United States, where truck drivers follow strict operating hours and route planning to avoid peak traffic.
In response, Agwanwor spoke of the security risks of night driving in Nigeria, stating that many drivers have fallen victim to armed robberies and kidnappings. He revealed that NUPENG had advised its members to avoid nighttime driving due to poor road conditions and safety threats.
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