The Human Cost of Fuel Tanker Explosions and the Quest for the Safety of Nigerians

By Precious Nwonu

More than 170 people lost their lives in a fuel tanker explosion in Majiya village, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State. The disaster unfolded when the tanker overturned, spilling its fuel. Local residents, attracted by the spilled fuel, began collecting it, unaware of the imminent danger. Suddenly, a massive fire broke out, engulfing the crowd.

Unfortunately, this type of incident is not new in Nigeria. Over the years, numerous fuel tanker explosions have occurred across the country, claiming many lives and causing severe property damage. In 2019, a petrol tanker crashed in a bustling market in Onitsha, Anambra State, killing at least 40 people, destroying over 500 shops, and burning many homes. Another explosion occurred in Tegina, Niger State, that same year, killing around 20 people and destroying vehicles and houses.

In June 2018, the infamous explosion on Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway claimed at least 12 lives and burned more than 50 vehicles. A tanker explosion in Gwer East Local Government, Benue State, killed at least 50 people attempting to collect fuel from the fallen tanker. In 2020, Lokoja, Kogi State, witnessed a similar disaster when a petrol tanker lost control, crashed, and exploded, killing at least 23 people, including schoolchildren and motorists.

These and many other tanker explosions across Nigeria have caused the loss of countless lives and destruction of properties. The frequent occurrence of such tragedies can be partly attributed to poverty. In the Majiya village incident, many residents risked their lives to scoop the spilled fuel, likely motivated by the dire economic situation.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, about 63% of Nigerians, roughly 133 million people, are living in multidimensional poverty. In northern Nigeria, where Jigawa is located, the poverty rate is particularly high, with 65% of the poor, or approximately 86 million people, residing in the region.

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, reported that in the Majiya explosion, 181 people lost their lives, 80 are currently hospitalized, and about 210 families have been affected by the tragedy. Many of these explosions are connected to major oil companies.

To prevent further incidents, Nigeria must improve road conditions and implement stricter safety measures for tankers. This can be achieved by repairing potholes and constructing safety barriers to prevent tanker accidents. Ensuring that tankers are well-maintained is also crucial. Tanker owners should adopt safer designs, such as bottom-loading tanks, and provide regular training for their drivers.

The government must enforce safety regulations, including weight limits and monitoring tanker movements. Installing GPS trackers and smart sensors in tankers can help detect potential issues early. Public awareness campaigns are vital to educate drivers and communities about safety procedures during emergencies.

Nigeria needs better emergency preparedness, which includes training firefighters and equipping them adequately. Both the government and private sector should collaborate to establish uniform safety standards and ensure compliance. The government should introduce effective insurance policies to compensate victims of such accidents.

Regular investigations into tanker explosions can help uncover root causes and prevent future disasters. Updating and enforcing stricter laws on tanker operations, along with imposing heavier penalties on violators, is essential. Finally, tackling broader economic issues that push many Nigerians into poverty is crucial.

People take dangerous risks out of desperation to make money. Addressing poverty would help reduce these tragedies by preventing people from endangering their lives in the first place.