FG must take heed

The tragedy of living with tanker explosions apparently has come to stay in Nigeria. Over the past recent years, several of such incidents as reported in the media led to the deaths of many, maimed many and led to the destruction of property worth billions of naira. It is unfortunate to see this kind of […]

The tragedy of living with tanker explosions apparently has come to stay in Nigeria. Over the past recent years, several of such incidents as reported in the media led to the deaths of many, maimed many and led to the destruction of property worth billions of naira.

It is unfortunate to see this kind of tragic incidents recurring without government seeming to take action towards stemming it ot reducing it. While the citizens certainly have their roles to play, especially by stopping the siphoning of fuel from crashed fuel trucks, it is important for government to also take some necessary steps to ensure their safety.

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) must address the issues of oil tankers. Road accidents involving tankers are largely due to non-compliance with minimum safety standards by most oil tanker drivers. They have to be forced to comply with the necessary rules and regulations.

Additionally, relevant government agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and federal and state fire service departments must work together. Fire service should be on call easily to put out any fire caused by tankers. The FRSC should take charge of scheduling tanker movements, and there should be a provision for fast and efficient towing services for broken down trucks. The government must take heed of all of these.

Chukwuemeka Okafor, Delta state