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NSCDC backs Enugu senator, seeks ban on daytime tanker movement
DDM News

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ebonyi State Command, has joined calls for a ban on the movement of fuel tankers during the daytime to curb frequent explosions and loss of lives.
This follows a statement by the Senator representing Enugu North in the 10th Senate, Okey Ezea, who condemned the recent petrol tanker explosion in Enugu that claimed several lives, injured many, and destroyed property.
Extending condolences to victims’ families, Ezea stressed that tankers should not operate on Nigerian roads before midnight, citing the poor state of roads and the risks posed by fuel transportation.
State Commandant of NSCDC, Francis Nnadi, reinforced this stance during a courtesy visit by members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State chapter.
Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that Nnadi emphasized the urgent need for federal and state governments to regulate tanker operations, citing frequent incidents, including the recent explosions in Niger and Ogun states.
Nnadi argued that banning daytime tanker movement would enhance road safety, especially considering global climate changes that have increased the risk of fuel-related disasters.
He pointed out that tanker explosions have become too frequent and devastating, with several lives lost in different parts of the country.
According to him, Nigeria has witnessed multiple tragic fuel tanker accidents in recent months, leading to an alarming number of casualties and destruction of property.
He urged security agencies, including the police, road safety corps, and the army, to collaborate in enforcing restrictions on tankers to prevent further tragedies.
The NSCDC boss noted that preventing fuel tankers from operating during the day would significantly reduce the risk of accidents and explosions.
He explained that when tankers move during the day, they share the roads with other motorists, creating a high potential for disastrous collisions, especially given the poor state of Nigerian roads.
He stressed that night-time movement would be safer because traffic is lighter, reducing the chances of accidents.
Nnadi also highlighted the dangers of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) transportation, noting that gas tankers pose an even greater threat due to their highly inflammable nature.
He warned that gas explosions spread rapidly and can result in catastrophic damage if safety measures are not strictly adhered to.
According to him, many filling stations and gas plants operate under hazardous conditions, increasing the risk of explosions.
He revealed that during a recent inspection, he discovered a gas plant where people were cooking beside large gas storage tanks, with children playing around the area.
He described the situation as extremely dangerous, emphasizing that stricter regulations must be put in place to prevent such risky practices.
The NSCDC commandant proposed that tanker operators be mandated to move only at night when roads are less congested.
He called for immediate engagement with tanker associations to educate drivers on safety regulations and enforce compliance.
He stated that all stakeholders, including tanker owners, filling station operators, and regulatory agencies, must come together to address the recurring issue of tanker explosions.
He maintained that safety education for tanker drivers is crucial to reducing the risks associated with transporting inflammable materials.
He pointed out that most explosions occur because drivers are either not properly trained or fail to follow basic safety guidelines.
He insisted that enforcing strict movement schedules for tankers would significantly reduce accidents and improve road safety.
He also suggested that state governments take proactive steps by restricting tanker movement within their territories during peak hours.
According to him, individual states can pass laws preventing tankers from operating in the daytime, thereby reducing the chances of fuel-related disasters.
He explained that such policies could be effectively implemented through collaboration between state security agencies and road traffic management bodies.
He urged state governors to consider passing executive orders to regulate the movement of tankers and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
Nnadi assured that NSCDC, as a first responder in disaster management, is committed to playing a key role in enforcing safety regulations.
He called on the Federal Government to invest in alternative fuel transportation methods, such as pipelines, to reduce the reliance on tankers for fuel distribution.
He noted that in developed countries, fuel transportation is mainly carried out through pipelines rather than by road, which significantly lowers the risk of tanker explosions.
He emphasized that if Nigeria had a well-maintained pipeline system, fuel-laden tankers would not need to travel long distances on hazardous roads.
He added that regular maintenance of existing pipelines and the construction of new ones would be a long-term solution to the recurring problem of tanker explosions.
The NSCDC boss also called for improved emergency response strategies to handle fuel-related accidents more efficiently.
He stressed that fire service agencies and disaster response teams must be well-equipped and properly trained to deal with fuel tanker explosions effectively.
He urged the government to provide more funding for emergency response agencies to ensure they are adequately prepared to handle disasters.
He pointed out that many fire service stations lack the necessary equipment to respond to major fuel tanker explosions, making it difficult to control the spread of fires when accidents occur.
He insisted that improving emergency preparedness is as important as preventing tanker explosions, as rapid response can help save lives and minimize damage.
He reiterated that preventing daytime movement of tankers would be a crucial step toward reducing fuel-related disasters in the country.
He called on all stakeholders, including government officials, security agencies, and tanker operators, to work together in implementing policies that would protect lives and property.
He emphasized that safety should be a top priority and that decisive action must be taken to address the ongoing crisis of tanker explosions.
“The government must take decisive action to stop fuel tankers from operating during the day,” Nnadi insisted.
“With proper enforcement, we can significantly reduce these deadly explosions.”
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