Tanker explosions: A nation under siege by fire

Nigeria is facing a worsening crisis of petrol and CNG tanker explosions, with frequent incidents causing loss of lives, destruction of property, and economic sabotage.

The alarming trend has raised serious concerns about road safety, regulatory failures, and the broader impact on the country’s economy.

In recent years, tanker explosions have become a recurring tragedy across Nigeria, turning major highways, residential areas, and commercial hubs into disaster zones.

From Lagos to Kano, Port Harcourt to Abuja, countless lives have been lost, businesses destroyed, and critical infrastructure damaged.

On Wednesday, six persons were killed and 25 others were injured following a multiple crash under the Karu Bridge in Abuja triggered by a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) truck that lost control, colliding with multiple vehicles before erupting into flames.

Last week, precisely March 11, a 50,000-litre gasoline tanker overturned while making a turn at Otedola Bridge in Lagos State in the night, sparking an explosion.

The explosion destroyed many lives and also properties within the vicinity as well as other vehicles plying the busy highway.

In January, a similar incident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway killed multiple travelers, trapping them in an inferno fueled by highly flammable petroleum products.

According to data sourced by Nationaldailyng.com from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), tanker-related accidents have increased by over 35% in the last five years, making them one of the deadliest road hazards in Nigeria.

Experts warn that beyond the tragic loss of human lives, these tanker explosions are inflicting severe economic damage.

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Dr. Femi Oyetade, a transport economist, highlights that frequent tanker disasters result in massive financial losses, affecting businesses, transportation networks, and the country’s GDP.

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“When a major highway like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway or the East-West Road is shut down for hours or days due to a tanker explosion, the economic impact is enormous. Goods and services are delayed, businesses suffer, and local economies experience setbacks,” Oyetade explained.

Nigeria’s dependence on road transportation for fuel distribution exacerbates the problem. Unlike many developed nations with extensive rail and pipeline networks for petroleum transport, Nigeria relies on thousands of tankers moving highly combustible products across poorly maintained roads.

According to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the country loses billions of naira annually due to damaged roads, destroyed trucks, and lost fuel. These explosions also contribute to inflation as supply chain disruptions drive up the cost of goods.

Despite existing laws meant to regulate the transport of hazardous materials, enforcement remains weak. Many fuel tankers operate without proper safety checks, and drivers often lack adequate training to handle emergencies.

Engr. Yusuf Abdullahi, a road safety consultant, blames poor regulation and corruption within the system for the persistence of these disasters.

“Many of the tankers on Nigerian roads are old, poorly maintained, and operated by drivers who do not receive sufficient training. There are laws requiring strict safety compliance, but enforcement is weak due to corruption and lack of political will,” he said.

Additionally, many tanker drivers work under extreme conditions, driving long hours without rest, increasing the risk of fatigue-induced accidents. Some drivers also tamper with safety valves, making their vehicles even more vulnerable to explosions.

To curb this menace, experts suggest a combination of regulatory reforms, infrastructural improvements, and alternative fuel transportation methods.

Investment in Pipelines and Rail Transport: Nigeria needs to invest in modern fuel distribution systems, including pipelines and rail transport, to reduce dependence on road tankers.

Nigeria cannot afford to treat tanker explosions as isolated accidents. They are a growing national emergency with severe social and economic consequences. Without decisive action, more lives will be lost, businesses will suffer, and the country’s infrastructure will continue to degrade.

The federal government, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders must act swiftly to prevent further devastation, ensuring that Nigeria’s roads are safe for all citizens.

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