***Launches Investigation into Rising Incidents

In response to the devastating fuel tanker explosion in Suleija on Saturday, the Federal Government has mandated the urgent transfer of victims from Suleija General Hospital to tertiary medical centers for intensive care.
This directive aims to ensure that the critically injured receive the necessary advanced treatment.

The announcement came as a high-level Federal Government delegation, led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, along with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, visited the site to assess the situation and express condolences to the people of Niger State.

Mallam Idris conveyed the deep sorrow of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was profoundly distressed by the loss of lives in the explosion.
“President Tinubu has sent us to see firsthand the severity of the situation. We are saddened to learn that this is the eighth victim of the explosion who has passed on today, making it all the more critical that we act swiftly,” he said, after a tour of the hospital where the victims are receiving treatment.
He further revealed that a high-powered committee had been set up by President Tinubu to investigate the root causes of the recent series of tanker explosions across Nigeria, which have claimed over 265 lives in the past five months. The committee, comprising officials from various sectors, including NEMA, NUPENG, IPMAN, and other stakeholders, will explore both immediate and long-term measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In addition to the ongoing medical response, the Federal Government is addressing the public safety risks associated with such explosions. Mallam Idris condemned the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from accident sites, urging citizens to be more responsible and avoid actions that further jeopardize public safety.

“We are deeply concerned about the rising number of tanker explosions. This is the fourth such incident this year alone. In addition to the tragic loss of lives, we must address the root causes and the unacceptable behavior of individuals who risk their lives after accidents by attempting to scoop fuel,” the Minister said.

The delegation also visited the Emir of Suleija, Alhaji Auwal Ibrahim, to offer condolences and show solidarity with the local community.
The explosion, which occurred at a busy junction in Suleija, has become a poignant reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive measures to tackle tanker-related accidents in the country.

***Governor Bago Signs Electricity Bill into Law

By Our Correspondent, Minna

The Niger State Government(NGSG)has announced plans to convert the iconic Gurara Waterfalls into a hydro-electric dam as part of its strategy to achieve independent power generation.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago disclosed this during a meeting with key stakeholders and council members at Gawu Babangida, headquarters of Gurara Local Government Area, during his statewide project monitoring tour.
According to the governor, the hydro-electric project will position Gurara Local Government Area as an electricity-generating hub, enhancing economic activities and creating employment opportunities for the youth.
This development is coming after the recent assent to the Niger State Electricity Bill by Governor Bago at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Minna.
The legislation, known as “The Niger State Power Sector Law 2024,” establishes frameworks for independent power generation and distribution within the state.

The law provides for the creation of the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Niger State Electricity Company and
Niger State Electricity Agency

It also covers various aspects of intra-state electricity, including generation, transmission, trading, distribution, retail supply, rural electrification, and the establishment of a state electricity market.
Operations under the new law commenced on December 19, 2024.
Governor Bago emphasized the strategic importance of Gurara Local Government Area, citing its vast potentials.
He assured stakeholders that his administration is committed to fully harnessing these opportunities for the benefit of the people.
Other planned projects in the area included an additional 5-kilometer road in Izom, Completion of the 45-kilometer Izom-Gwagwalada road connecting the Federal Capital Territory, Development of the Gurara Games Resort and Construction of a ₦120 million modern trailer park to ease traffic on the Minna-Suleja road.
Others are the provision of potable water through partnerships and the Establishment of a green energy park under a tripartite arrangement.
Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Afiniki Dauda, and Gurara Council Chairman, Abdul-Halim Abubakar, commended Governor Bago for his commitment to developing the area.
They expressed gratitude for the ongoing projects and pledged their support for the administration’s initiatives.
The ambitious plan aligns with Niger State’s broader goals of enhancing energy security, driving economic growth, and improving the livelihoods of its citizens.

***Governor Bago Condoles with Families of Victims

Over 60 people were killed in a tragic explosion early Saturday morning at the popular Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna highway in Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State.

An eyewitness reported that the petrol tanker, traveling from Lagos to a northern state, became stuck on a bad section of the road at the junction. While attempting to navigate the spot, the tanker overturned, spilling its highly flammable contents.

Disaster struck when local youths, attempting to scoop fuel from the overturned tanker, were caught in a massive explosion. The fire claimed the lives of many scoopers, passersby, and motorists. Vehicles, motorcycles, shops, and other properties worth millions of naira were also destroyed.

Several people sustained varying degrees of burns and are currently receiving treatment at a government healthcare facility in the area.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed shock and sadness over the incident.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor described the frequent occurrence of fuel tanker accidents in the state as heartbreaking.
He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the repose of the deceased while wishing the injured a speedy recovery. The governor directed relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to respond swiftly to the disaster.
Governor Bago also urged security agencies to ensure the safety of the affected area and called on residents to prioritize their safety and avoid risky behavior.
This incident is the latest in a series of recurring fuel tanker explosions in Niger State, which have claimed over 100 lives and destroyed properties worth hundreds of millions of naira since 2019.
In 2019 alone, three major tanker explosions occurred, resulting in significant loss of lives and property.
A similar disaster in May 2019 at the same Dikko Junction killed 26 people, destroyed 35 shops, and burned 19 vehicles.
Between July and October 2020, three more tanker-related explosions further devastated the state.
In response to these frequent tragedies, former Governor Alhaji Sani Bello proposed banning fuel tankers from state highways, threatening violators with fines or jail terms.
However, the law was never implemented before the end of his tenure in 2023.
This latest disaster highlights the urgent need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of road users in Niger State.