The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has launched a campaign to reduce petroleum tanker accidents on highways across the country.
The Southwest campaign was flagged off on Wednesday at the Dangote Refinery Depot, Lagos, by NMDPRA Chief Executive, Mr Ahmed Farouk, represented by Dr Mustapha Lamorde.
Farouk stressed the importance of educating tanker drivers and downstream operators on best practices to prevent petroleum-related road accidents.
He said the campaign will teach drivers how to prevent petroleum spillage, which often causes fires, environmental damage, and loss of lives.
Farouk stated that over 15 agencies are involved in the campaign to improve public safety and reduce transport-related risks.
He revealed that, from March 1, tankers over 60,000 litres will be banned from Nigerian roads.
Also, from the fourth quarter of 2025, only trucks with a 45,000-litre capacity or less may load petroleum products.
“These decisions are necessary due to the rise in fatal accidents involving oversized tankers,” Farouk said.
He confirmed that regular training for tanker drivers and assistants will begin before year-end to improve safety and awareness.
NMDPRA is partnering with key bodies including FRSC, PTD, NUPENG, NSCDC, NARTO, Police, Army, and PETROAN to ensure campaign success.
Farouk said the FRSC will conduct regular checks to ensure drivers are sober and not fatigued.
He also revealed plans to introduce a colour-coded system to identify compliant and non-compliant tankers.
Alh. Adigun Gbolahan, NUPENG-PTD Lagos Zonal Chairman, commended the campaign and the proposed driver training initiative.
He confirmed NUPENG’s commitment to safety, offering rewards to drivers with five-year accident-free records.
He warned drivers to avoid alcohol, follow safety rules, and stop driving after 6:00 p.m.
“Any driver caught driving after 6:00 p.m. will be sanctioned,” he said.
He added that drivers now have official ID cards for free emergency hospital treatment nationwide.
Dr Kassim Bataiye, NARTO National Operations Coordinator, promised continued support and said better health insurance is being considered.
FRSC Assistant Corps Commander, Hyginus Omeje, praised the initiative and urged stakeholder collaboration to end truck accidents.
He encouraged ongoing driver education and monitoring to promote road safety.
Mallam Haruna Mohammed, a driver with Shafa Energy, supported the night travel ban, citing reduced accidents and robbery.
Other drivers backed the 45,000-litre limit, saying it discourages overloading and enhances safety.
However, drivers urged NUPENG and employers to increase salaries, claiming the current sub-N100,000 wage is inadequate.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that representatives from major stakeholders attended the sensitisation event. (NAN)
