Jigawa Tanker Explosion: Senate issues new directives to “heighten public sensitisation”on dangers of fuel scooping; Petroleum Minister urges FRSC to certify tanker drivers

The Senate has reacted to the recent devastating petrol tanker explosion in Majiya, Jigawa State, by issuing directives to prevent future tragedies of this nature.

The explosion, which took place around 12:30 AM in Taura Local Government Area, resulted in the deaths of over 90 people and left hundreds more injured as locals rushed to collect fuel from the overturned tanker.

In response, the Senate called for immediate action, directing the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to bolster public awareness campaigns on the dangers of fuel scooping.

Representing Jigawa North West, Senator Hussaini Uba led the Senate discussion, stating, “This tragedy is one incident too many.”

He emphasised the need for “heightened public sensitisation” to protect lives in similar situations.

The accident occurred when the tanker, travelling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, overturned near Khadija University in Majiya.

According to Jigawa State’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Adam, residents quickly gathered at the scene to collect the leaking fuel, a practice he described as “unfortunate and preventable.”

Adam urged residents to stay away from hazardous spillages to avoid further loss of life in similar incidents.

In addition to awareness campaigns, the Senate directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) to expedite the delivery of relief materials to those affected.

The Senate stated that immediate aid would help survivors struggling with severe burns and other injuries.

“This is a call to action for both authorities and citizens. We must ensure that communities understand the risks of such behaviour,” Senator Uba remarked, reiterating the need for proactive education to protect lives during tanker incidents.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobri, has urged the Federal Road Safety Corp to certify tanker drivers to reduce petroleum products truck accidents, explosions, and fatalities.

The minister said this when a delegation of the FRSC led by the Corps Marshall, Shehu Mohammed visited his office in Abuja.

A new strict policy is being implemented to ensure Only tankers or trucks that are certified roadworthy, should be allowed to carry petroleum products to different parts of the country.

This will reduce risks involved in the transporting of these highly flammable products.

Minister of Petroleum Resources, oil says drivers must compulsorily get certification.

He says this in the public interest, and hold the drivers responsible for conveying petroleum products from the depots to the market.

The minister said currently the pipelines originally laid to convey petroleum products have outlived their lifespan, and the industry has adapted to virtual conveyance.

The Corps Marshall of the FRSC pointed out the existing partnership with the NMDPRA, which he says enhances the safety of personnel, and trucks, carrying petroleum products by road.

With enforcement of the FRSC road transport safety standardization scheme, driver certification, and other public engagement programs l, there has been a noticeable reduction in the number of road crashes.