Curbing tanker mishaps 

By Rekpene Bassey

The relentless frequency of tanker accidents in Nigeria has become a grave national concern, casting a dark shadow over the safety of lives and property and the integrity of our transportation infrastructure.

These mishaps, often involving fuel-laden tankers, have resulted in catastrophic consequences, claiming hundreds of lives, destroying properties, and leaving emotional scars on countless families.

More troubling is the recurring nature of these incidents despite their harrowing toll on society. The failure to learn from past tragedies underscores systemic lapses in regulation, enforcement, and public education. This is not merely a transportation issue but a multifaceted crisis demanding urgent, coordinated, and strategic action to mitigate further disasters.

One of the most tragic dimensions of tanker mishaps is the reaction of some citizens, particularly in rural or hinterland areas, who rush to scoop spilled petroleum products from accident sites. This dangerous behaviour has often led to explosions, massive fires, and secondary casualties, compounding the initial disaster. It highlights a dire need for robust public awareness campaigns to dissuade such life-threatening actions.

Beyond the immediate fatalities, tanker accidents inflict long-term psychological trauma on survivors and bereaved families. Many children are orphaned, breadwinners lost, and livelihoods disrupted.

Entire communities bear the brunt of these tragedies, creating a ripple effect of social and economic pain that lingers for years. This underscores the urgency for a holistic approach that addresses the physical, emotional, and socio-economic aftermath of these accidents.

A multifaceted strategy is indispensable to stem the tide of tanker mishaps. At the forefront of this effort must be the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and tanker owners themselves. These stakeholders must collaborate to enforce stricter regulations on tanker operations, from maintenance protocols to driver competency assessments.

Statistics reveal that human error accounts for a significant proportion of tanker accidents in Nigeria. Many drivers lack adequate training, operate under extreme fatigue, or drive recklessly on poorly maintained roads. Addressing this requires mandatory periodic training for tanker drivers, stringent licensing requirements, and the adoption of advanced vehicle monitoring systems to track driver behaviour in real-time.

Furthermore, the condition of tankers on Nigerian roads is often deplorable. A 2022 study by the Nigerian Transportation Research Institute found that over 60% of tankers operating in the country are more than 15 years old, with many failing basic roadworthiness tests. The enforcement of age limits for tankers, coupled with regular inspections and certification by regulatory agencies, is non-negotiable.

Road infrastructure also plays a critical role in tanker mishaps. Poorly constructed or maintained roads and inadequate signage and lighting exacerbate the risk of accidents. Investment in road repairs, expansion, and proper signage must be prioritised, particularly on highways frequented by heavy-duty vehicles. Additionally, constructing dedicated parking bays and rest areas for tankers would reduce the risk of accidents caused by illegal parking or fatigue-induced errors.

Community engagement and public enlightenment are equally critical. Efforts must go beyond generic campaigns to targeted interventions that resonate with local contexts. For example, sensitization programs on the dangers of scooping fuel should be tailored to rural audiences, leveraging local languages and cultural nuances.

Partnerships with traditional rulers, community leaders, and religious organizations can amplify these messages and foster community ownership of safety practices.

The role of technology cannot be overstated. Integrating digital solutions, such as GPS tracking, automatic braking systems, and real-time monitoring of tanker movements, would significantly enhance safety. Additionally, adopting geo-fencing technology could restrict tankers from accessing unsafe routes or high-risk zones, reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Regulatory agencies must also adopt a zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance. Tanker operators and owners who flout safety standards should face stiff penalties, including fines, license suspensions, and vehicle impoundment. Incentivising compliance, such as offering subsidies for acquiring safer, modern tankers, could further encourage adherence to regulations.

Disaster response mechanisms also require strengthening. Rapid response teams equipped with the necessary tools and expertise should be deployed when accidents occur to contain spills, prevent secondary incidents, and manage traffic flow. Emergency services must be well-trained and adequately funded to handle the unique challenges tanker accidents pose.

At the policy level, the federal government must establish a comprehensive framework for tanker safety, integrating input from all stakeholders, including transport unions, regulatory bodies, and civil society organizations. This framework should outline clear roles, responsibilities, and performance benchmarks to ensure accountability and transparency.

The economic implications of tanker accidents cannot be ignored. Beyond the direct costs of lives and properties lost, these incidents disrupt supply chains, inflate goods costs, and strain public resources. Addressing this issue is, therefore, a matter of public safety, economic stability, and national development.

Ultimately, the fight against tanker mishaps must be driven by a collective commitment to prioritize safety over convenience, profit, or complacency. Stakeholders across the public and private sectors must rise to the challenge, recognising that the cost of inaction far outweighs the investment required to implement meaningful solutions.

Finally, the growing carnage and destruction associated with tanker mishaps are preventable tragedies that call for decisive, sustained, and holistic interventions. Enforcing stricter regulations, leveraging technology, improving infrastructure, and fostering public awareness can turn the tide on this menace in the country. This requires immediate, urgent action. Every life saved is a victory for humanity, and every accident prevented is to our collective advantage.

*Rekpene Bassey is the President of the African Council on Narcotics (ACON) and a security and drug prevention expert.