The Fire Protection Association of Nigeria has raised alarm over the increasing frequency of tanker fire accidents, blaming the crisis on untrained drivers, weak enforcement of regulations, and design flaws in tanker construction.
Chairman of the Board of Fellows of the Association, Peter Onyeri, highlighted these concerns in an interview, emphasizing that the accidents have caused severe economic and social disruptions, leading to loss of lives and destruction of property.
Onyeri criticized the current approach to training tanker drivers, stating that many programs fail to address human factors such as fatigue, carelessness, absentmindedness, and distractions. He stressed the need for specialized training tailored to these issues, as tanker driving requires a different skill set compared to other heavy-duty vehicles.
Another major issue, according to Onyeri, is the structural flaws in tanker construction. He explained that many operators import tanker heads but fabricate the bodies locally, leading to design misalignment. This mechanical flaw increases the risk of catastrophic failures when tankers experience vibrations or impact, potentially causing the head to detach from the body. A study conducted by the Nigerian Society of Engineers and FPAN confirmed these concerns.
Beyond driver training and tanker design, Onyeri highlighted the lack of emergency response preparedness as a significant factor contributing to high casualty rates. Many people unknowingly expose themselves to fire risks due to poor response mechanisms.
He also pointed out that while there are existing regulations governing the petroleum industry, enforcement remains weak. He urged the Federal Government and the Organised Private Sector to collaborate with FPAN in developing a strategic program to mitigate the risks associated with tanker fires.
Meanwhile, Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, announced that the issue of tanker fire accidents would be a key topic at the upcoming Lagos International Fire and Safety Conference. The event will bring together international stakeholders to discuss long-term solutions for reducing tanker fire accidents in Nigeria.
