The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reinforced its commitment to ensuring that all tankers undergo strict safety inspections before being allowed to load fuel. This measure comes as concerns over frequent tanker accidents and explosions continue to rise across the country.
The tragic incident occurred on October 15, 2024, in Majia, a community in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State. A petrol tanker travelling from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State exploded, leading to catastrophic loss of life. According to local reports, the explosion killed over 100 people instantly, while many others sustained severe injuries.
As of October 22, Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, provided an update, stating that the death toll had risen to 181. Additionally, about 80 individuals are still battling for their lives in various hospitals, with many in critical condition.
In response to this incident and other similar tragedies, FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide reiterated the agency’s commitment to enforcing safety regulations for tankers.
On Wednesday, Ogungbemide explained that the FRSC had been implementing a strict safety inspection programme called “Safe to Load.” The programme is designed to ensure that no tanker is permitted to load fuel at any depot in the country without first meeting all safety requirements.
Ogungbbmide said, “The corps has been enforcing mandatory retrofitting and installation of safety valves on tankers.
”The corps has a programme called, ‘Safe To Load’. This is a programme where FRSC has redeployed officers and men to depots nationwide.
”They are to inspect all safety measures, including reflective tapes, safety valves, fire extinguishers, etc on tankers before giving them a gate pass to enter the loading terminals,” Ogungbemide stated.
He emphasized that FRSC officers are stationed at depots nationwide to oversee these inspections. The goal of the “Safe to Load” programme is to reduce the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials like petrol, which often result in deadly accidents.
In addition to these safety checks, Ogungbemide noted that the FRSC has been conducting special patrols targeting tankers and other heavy-duty vehicles. These patrols aim to address issues such as overloading, which can contribute to accidents on the road.
