NOA cautions Nigerians against fuel scooping at accident scenes

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has intensified its nationwide campaign against fuel scooping, warning Nigerians to desist from the dangerous practice of collecting spilled fuel at accident scenes involving tankers. Director-General of the agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, gave the warning during a meeting with members of the Tanker Drivers Association in Moniya, Akinyele Local Government […]

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has intensified its nationwide campaign against fuel scooping, warning Nigerians to desist from the dangerous practice of collecting spilled fuel at accident scenes involving tankers.

Director-General of the agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, gave the warning during a meeting with members of the Tanker Drivers Association in Moniya, Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The meeting, according to a statement, was part of ongoing efforts to curb tanker-related explosions and reduce fatalities on Nigerian roads.

Issa-Onilu expressed deep concern over the recurring incidents of tanker accidents, which he said have led to avoidable loss of lives and placed immense pressure on emergency and healthcare systems across the country.

Conveying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s concern over the rising death toll from such incidents, the NOA boss reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting road safety and preventing further tragedies.

He urged tanker drivers to take personal responsibility for safety by strictly observing traffic regulations, avoiding speeding, and ensuring their vehicles are in good working condition before embarking on any trip.

“Transporting highly flammable substances requires a higher standard of caution and maintenance,” Issa-Onilu said.

“Proper vehicle checks can make a significant difference in preventing these deadly accidents,” he added.

The NOA director-general also disclosed that the Federal Government is taking steps to rehabilitate critical road infrastructure across the country. He said the goal is to reduce road crashes and create safer conditions for both motorists and pedestrians.

Speaking at the event, NOA Oyo State Director, Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, noted that the agency had ramped up public enlightenment efforts through radio programmes and community engagements to raise awareness on the dangers of fuel scooping.

She urged residents to avoid the deadly temptation of approaching crash scenes to collect fuel, emphasizing that such actions often result in catastrophic explosions.

The NOA’s “Say No to Fuel Scooping” campaign continues to gain traction as part of broader national safety advocacy initiatives.