The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Resources Authority (NMDPRA) has urged restraints among residents of Akwa Ibom State in the face of incessant tanker explosions in parts of the country and the attendant loss of lives.
To check the menace, the petroleum sub-sector regulatory agency has announced that modalities have been concluded to embark on a public campaign to educate the public on the dangers of scooping petroleum products from fallen tankers.
The acting coordinator of NMDPRA in the state, Mrs Nsima Isong, stated that the resolution was reached during a stakeholders’ meeting in Eket LGA Field Office on Friday.
She said the campaign was aimed at preventing the likelihood of deadly incidents and to ensure public safety, adding that the campaign would be done in conjunction with other agencies and stakeholders in the state, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Isong said the essence of the meeting was to sensitise stakeholders on the resolutions reached and ensure a seamless implementation.
She said that NMDPRA would conduct regular training and retraining of truck drivers and motor boys from the second quarter of this year to equip drivers with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate safely.
The acting coordinator said the FRSC would conduct regular checks to ensure that drivers are not fatigued or driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances, explaining that NMDPRA would introduce colour coding for trucks starting from April 1, 2025, to enhance visibility.
“The measure will facilitate easy identification of compliant tankers and ensure that non-compliant tankers are sanctioned,” she said.
She said that tankers carrying petroleum products exceeding 60,000 litres would be prohibited from plying Nigerian roads with effect from today.
“This restriction aims to reduce the risk of accidents and spills associated with overloaded tankers,” she noted, adding that NMDPRA would hold regular meetings with stakeholders to review progress and address challenges.
She said the meetings would provide a platform for feedback, suggestions and collaboration to ensure the successful implementation of the new resolution.
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