The National Emergency Management Agency has revealed that more than 1,500 lives have been lost in over 100 fuel tanker accidents across Nigeria in recent years.
The agency also warned Nigerians to stop scooping fuel from fallen tankers, describing the act as dangerous and deadly.
Speaking during a one-day awareness programme in Lokoja on Thursday, the Deputy Director of NEMA, Zakari Abubakar, said fuel tanker explosions have caused serious pain and destruction in many parts of the country. The programme was organised by the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency to educate people about the dangers of tanker-related accidents and fire outbreaks.
Zakari said, “From January 2009 to October 2024, over 100 tanker accidents happened, and sadly, more than 1,500 people died. These accidents often happen because of bad roads, poorly maintained vehicles, careless driving, and unsafe practices like scooping fuel from accident scenes.”
He gave examples of recent accidents, including the one in Niger State that killed over 80 people and another in Agbor, Delta State, where five people died in January 2025. He also mentioned the tragic explosion in Jigawa State in October 2024, which took more than 150 lives.
Zakari stressed that many things contribute to these deadly accidents. According to him, “We must stop allowing untrained drivers on the roads, stop overloading, and stop building petrol stations too close to where people live. Parking on the road and using vehicles with bad brakes must also be addressed.”
He added, “This event today is to remind everyone that we need to prepare, be aware of risks, and work together to reduce disasters. Scooping fuel from fallen tankers should be strongly condemned. It only leads to more death and injury.”
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of KOSEMA, Mouktar Atimah, said the Kogi State government would continue to respond to emergencies quickly and take steps to prevent disasters.
Atimah said, “We are committed to building a safer environment for our people. We will keep working with NEMA and other partners to protect lives and property.”
The programme called on every, drivers, communities, government agencies, and even petrol station owners to join hands in preventing future tragedies and to treat every fuel accident as a serious danger to life.
