President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the fuel tanker explosion, which caused the death of over 80 people, with many also injured.
The devastating explosion occurred on Saturday at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, bringing about an immense human toll.
According to a statement by Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, the President mourned the victims and expressed his condolences to the families affected, as well as to the government and people of Niger State.
He underscored the tragic and preventable nature of the incident, as many victims were said to be those scooping Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the overturned tanker.
Onanuga said that the President has directed the provision of comprehensive medical care to the injured and instructed security and road safety authorities to implement measures to avert similar incidents.
He added that Tinubu strongly advised all citizens to exercise caution and avoid approaching accident sites, especially those involving fuel-laden vehicles, due to their highly explosive nature
Additionally, the President has mandated the National Orientation Agency to initiate a nationwide educational campaign. This campaign will raise public awareness about the severe risks and environmental dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
Meanwhile, the President will set up a high-powered committee to investigate the recurrence of tanker explosions and implement safety measures to forestall the tragedy.
The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Sunday at the Palace of the Emir of Suleja where he visited to commiserate with victims of Saturday’s tanker explosion in Dikko Junction, in the Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
He said members of the committee would be drawn from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), tanker drivers’ associations and other stakeholders.
The minister also said enlightenment campaigns on the safe movement of fuel tankers, road safety habits and the dangers of scooping leaked fuel would be carried out by his ministry.
Mohammed was accompanied to the state by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Nentawe Yilwatda, and top government officials
The delegation also planned to visit various hospitals in Suleja where 55 injured individuals were rushed for urgent medical attention. The delegation also planned to visit the Dikko junction which is now a grim reminder of the potential dangers posed by fuel tankers on Nigeria roads.
At least 86 persons died and 55 others were injured on Saturday, January 18, 2025, whilst scooping fuel from a fallen tanker.
Earlier in January 2025, at least five persons were killed when a tanker ladened with petrol lost control and burst into flames in the Agbor area of Delta State.
In October 2024, a fuel tanker explosion in Jigawa State killed more than 170 people, with scores injured.
Tanker explosions occurred in Nigeria at a time when petrol has become a precious commodity in Africa’s most populous country, which is suffering its worst economic crisis in a generation.
The Jigawa tanker fire incident
Many are struggling to get access to gasoline, as its price has spiked more than fivefold since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office in May 2023.
Inflation has been peaking at more than 30 per cent for months, reaching an almost three-decade high of over 34 per cent in June, down to 32.7 per cent in September.
More than half — 56 per cent — of Nigerians are living under the poverty line, up from 40 per cent in 2018, according to a World Bank report.
At least 59 people died in September 2024 when a fuel tanker collided with a truck carrying passengers and cattle in northwestern Niger state.
