The Federal Government has launched an investigation into the devastating fuel tanker explosion that occurred at Dikko Junction, Niger State, claiming at least 86 lives and leaving 55 others injured. The tragic incident, which took place along the Dikko-Maje Minna road in Gurara Local Government Area, has sparked nationwide grief and calls for improved safety measures.
A committee comprising key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), has been tasked with investigating the causes of the accident and recommending solutions to prevent future occurrences.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this during a condolence visit to the Emir of Suleija, His Royal Highness Sarkin Zazzau Suleija, Mohammed Akwwal. Addressing the Emir, Idris emphasized the government’s concern over the increasing number of fuel tanker explosions in the country. He revealed that similar incidents since September 2024 have claimed over 265 lives, underscoring the need for urgent action.
He said “The President has directed that we come here to condole with our Father, His Royal Highness, and all his senior councillors here present, and indeed the entire people of Suleija and Niger State, over this very unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday. The President is really saddened by what has happened, and he is worried to the extent that he has said that a high-powered committee will be set up to look at these incidents.
“In the last couple of months, from September to this time, we have had four of these major incidences. We had the first one between Ibadan and Ife, where a tanker exploded. Five houses and cars and other vehicles were touched. Almost a day after here in Niger State, in Agai, about 48 persons lost their lives. This was on the 8th of September. The preceding year, 2024, 48 people lost their lives. Not long afterwards, on the 15th of October, again in 2024, about 144 people also lost their lives in Niger State in a similar incident. And now, only yesterday (Saturday), here at Diko Junction, within this emirate, 86 people have lost their lives.
“Now, if you put that together, you will see that over 265 people have so far lost their lives in this kind of incident. This is really very worrying. The government is very worried about it, and as a result of that, has set up a committee comprising the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, other critical stakeholders like NEMA, like Standard Organization of Nigeria, like the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association, IPMAN, and all other stakeholders to come together to find the remote and immediate causes of this, and how to avert the occurrence or the reoccurrence of this as we move on.
“Mr. President is really very saddened by this, and is determined to bring to an end this kind of occurrence. And as a result of that, he has directed the National Orientation Agency under my ministry to step up an enlargement campaign and education of people.
“You cannot just have tankers, by whatever reason, involved in an accident, and then people rushing to the site to scoop this petroleum product, PMS. It is absolutely wrong. It has led to the loss of lives of hundreds of people, and government will not allow this to happen again. As a result of that, this high committee will now make recommendations to government with a view to finding a lasting solution to this issue. But we call on the general public, and we want to use the traditional institution, especially the Royal Father, to enlighten the public that it is wrong when a tanker finds itself in an accident, for people to rush to that scene with the intention of scooping products from that scene.”
