Nigerian authorities and petroleum industry stakeholders have announced stricter safety measures for fuel tankers, including a 50% reduction in maximum load capacity, following a surge in road accidents linked to overloaded vehicles. Starting October 1, tankers operating in the country’s western region will be restricted to carrying 45,000 liters of petroleum products, down from previous capacities that sometimes exceeded 90,000 liters.
The policy emerged from collaborative discussions between the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), government agencies, and transport groups, according to Chief Oyewole Akanni, chairman of IPMAN’s Western Zone. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria in Ibadan, Akanni emphasized that overloaded tankers had become a critical safety hazard, damaging road infrastructure and contributing to frequent overturning incidents. “Trucks designed for specific weights were being forced to carry double their capacity, making them unstable,” he explained.
Complementing the load limits, regulators now require all tankers to install anti-spillage safety covers. These devices aim to prevent fuel leaks during accidents unless tanks suffer direct punctures. However, Akanni noted that vandalism remains a persistent issue, with thieves often intentionally breaching overturned tankers to steal fuel—a practice that complicates accident response efforts.
Further safety reforms target driver fatigue, identified as a leading cause of nighttime collisions. Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) have been instructed to halt operations between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., though compliance remains inconsistent. “Some still disregard the curfew, risking lives and cargo,” Akanni said, pledging intensified collaboration with law enforcement to enforce the rules.
The measures respond to what officials describe as a national crisis of tanker-related disasters. Federal interventions now prioritize infrastructure upgrades, public awareness campaigns, and stricter enforcement of transport regulations. Akanni linked the accidents to systemic challenges, including inadequate road maintenance, lax oversight, and hazardous practices like crowds gathering to collect spilled fuel—a phenomenon locally termed “fuel scooping.”
While the reforms mark progress, implementation hurdles persist. Industry analysts note that reducing tanker capacities could initially strain fuel distribution networks, potentially affecting supply chains. Nonetheless, authorities argue the long-term safety benefits outweigh short-term logistical challenges, with the new policies reflecting broader efforts to curb Nigeria’s road fatality rates, which rank among the highest globally.
