Thr director-general of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, has said that poverty should not be used to justify the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, following a recent incident in Apapa, Lagos.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Mr Issa-Onilu condemned the act and urged the National Assembly to criminalise fuel scooping, describing it as a grave threat to human life and public safety.
He said the practice is unacceptable in a modern society and warned that it exposes individuals and the wider public to extreme and avoidable risks.
“The risks extend beyond those directly involved. Motorists, nearby communities, emergency responders, and critical assets are all endangered, far outweighing any perceived benefit.
“Over the years, we have deployed nationwide sensitisation campaigns to educate Nigerians on the dangers of fuel scooping and other high-risk behaviours.
“Regrettably, despite warnings and value-reorientation efforts, some individuals persist in this life-threatening conduct. Poverty does not justify reckless behaviour or disregard for self-preservation,” he said.
The NOA director-general described fuel scooping as a conscious and reckless action that shows disregard for human life and public safety.
Mr Issa-Onilu recalled previous tragedies linked to tanker accidents and fuel scooping, noting that explosions from such incidents have claimed hundreds of lives over the years, despite being preventable.
“Sustained public education must now be reinforced by strong legal and enforcement frameworks to end this deadly behaviour decisively,” he said.
He stressed that Nigerians must collectively reject actions that result in mass casualties, national trauma and needless loss of life.
“Human life is sacred and priceless. No situation, excuse, or momentary gain justifies conduct that places lives in imminent danger,” Mr Issa-Onilu said.
