The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Issa Onilu, has raised a serious concern regarding the rising incidents of fuel scooping from overturned tankers, a reckless practice that has led to a series of deadly explosions across Nigeria. During a sensitization meeting with the Tanker Drivers Association in Akinyele Local Government, Ibadan, Oyo State, on January 30, 2025, Mallam Onilu issued a strong warning to Nigerians to stop engaging in this dangerous act.
The alarming trend of fuel scooping has led to several tragic explosions, claiming countless lives and causing extensive damage. Mallam Onilu emphasized the need for immediate action to stop the practice, urging all Nigerians to prioritize safety over the short-term gain of illicit fuel collection. He pointed out that these explosions have not only resulted in loss of lives but also placed a significant strain on emergency response services and health systems in affected areas.
Furthermore, Mallam Onilu noted that President Bola Tinubu has expressed his grave concern over the increasing frequency of such accidents. The President has called for urgent measures to address the situation, emphasizing that public safety must be a priority. Mallam Onilu echoed the President’s sentiments, stressing that the Nigerian government is committed to curbing this growing menace and ensuring that the country’s roads remain safe for all citizens.
In his address, Mallam Onilu also directed his message at the tanker drivers present at the meeting, urging them to take their role in road safety seriously. He appealed to them to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and avoid speeding, as well as to ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained before embarking on any journeys. The NOA DG highlighted that ensuring the proper condition of tankers can go a long way in preventing accidents, particularly in a sector where the transport of highly flammable substances requires extra caution.
In addition to these safety measures, Mallam Onilu reassured Nigerians that the federal government is taking steps to address the state of the nation’s roads. He reiterated that plans are underway to rehabilitate and upgrade critical road infrastructure across the country. The goal, he explained, is to reduce the occurrence of road crashes and to create safer conditions for both drivers and pedestrians.
Mallam Onilu also appealed to the general public, urging Nigerians to support one another in these challenging times. He encouraged citizens to think beyond personal interests and be their brothers’ keepers, especially when it comes to matters of life and death. He stressed that fostering a sense of community and mutual responsibility is crucial for improving safety and making society a better place to live.
The Tankers Drivers Association, in turn, expressed their support for the government’s efforts to reduce accidents and improve safety. They acknowledged the importance of following safety protocols, but also raised concerns about the conditions under which many tanker drivers operate. The association appealed for better infrastructure to support the safe operation of tankers, including the establishment of modern trailer parks with standard facilities across the country.
The association’s call for better facilities was rooted in the challenges faced by tanker drivers, who often have to park in unsafe, congested areas due to a lack of designated trailer parks. They pointed out that proper parking spaces would not only provide safety for the drivers but would also reduce the likelihood of tanker accidents caused by poorly maintained vehicles or fatigue from long hours of driving.
In addition to better parking facilities, the Tankers Drivers Association also highlighted the urgent need for repairs to dilapidated roads. They stressed that many tanker accidents occur due to poor road conditions, including potholes, lack of proper signage, and inadequate road markings. The association urged the government to prioritize road maintenance and repair as part of the broader effort to improve road safety in the country.
Mallam Onilu responded positively to the concerns raised by the Tankers Drivers Association, acknowledging that the government understands the importance of adequate infrastructure for the smooth operation of the transportation sector. He assured them that the federal government is committed to addressing these issues and would work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the necessary improvements are made.
The NOA DG also promised that the agency would continue to engage with key stakeholders, including transport unions, government agencies, and local communities, to ensure that safety messages are effectively communicated to all Nigerians. He stressed that sustained public awareness campaigns would be crucial in ensuring that the dangerous practice of fuel scooping is eradicated and that citizens take personal responsibility for their actions on the road.
Mallam Onilu concluded the meeting by emphasizing that the issue of fuel scooping and tanker-related accidents is a shared responsibility. He reiterated that both the government and the public must work together to ensure that roads are safer for everyone. The meeting with the Tanker Drivers Association was seen as a step towards building a more coordinated approach to road safety in Nigeria, one that takes into account both the needs of drivers and the safety of the broader public.
In the end, the efforts of the NOA, the Tankers Drivers Association, and the Nigerian government will only succeed if all stakeholders remain committed to the cause of improving road safety. Mallam Onilu’s call for Nigerians to take collective responsibility and work towards a safer, more responsible society is a crucial reminder that change starts with individual actions and a shared commitment to the greater good.