The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has announced a ban on fuel tankers with a capacity exceeding 60,000 litres from operating on Nigerian roads. The decision, revealed during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, is set to take effect on March 1, 2025, as part of efforts to reduce road accidents involving heavy-duty petroleum tankers.

Ogbugo Ukoha, NMDPRA’s Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure, explained that the ban aims to address the rising number of truck-related accidents, which have resulted in significant loss of life and injuries. He cited a tragic incident on January 18, when a petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Niger State’s Gurara Local Government Area claimed at least 80 lives and left many others injured.

Ukoha disclosed that the first technical stakeholders’ committee meeting, held on Wednesday, established a timeline for implementing 10 key resolutions to curb truck-related incidents and fatalities. The meeting included participation from critical agencies such as the Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). Other stakeholders, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), and NMDPRA, were also present.

During the discussions, stakeholders unanimously agreed that, starting March 1, 2025, no tanker exceeding an axle load of 60,000 litres of hydrocarbon would be permitted to load at any depot. Ukoha emphasized the significance of the consensus reached among all parties, stating, “For the first time, consensus was built amongst all stakeholders, and we’re continuing to encourage that we will work together cohesively to ensure the safe transportation of petroleum products across the country.”

The move is expected to enhance road safety and reduce the risks associated with the transportation of petroleum products in Nigeria.