By Rufai Ahmed, Dutse
At least 1,613 Nigerians have died in 169 petroleum tanker explosions across the country between June 2009 and October 2024, according to Senator Babangida Hussaini, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
Speaking in an exclusive interview with National Update in Jigawa State, Senator Hussaini, who represents Jigawa Northwest Senatorial District, lamented the devastating toll of tanker accidents on human lives and property.
“Although there is no official national database on these incidents, my personal research shows that 1,613 lives have been lost due to fuel tanker accidents within this period,” the senator revealed
To curb this menace, he championed a debate in the Senate on the ‘Articulated Vehicles Safety Regulations Bill 2025’, which seeks to enforce stricter safety measures for tankers and other articulated vehicles.
The bill, first introduced in November 2024, aims to align tanker regulations with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to ensure safer roads across Nigeria.
One of the core provisions of the bill is the mandatory inspection of articulated vehicles every six months to verify their roadworthiness.
“Many of these accidents are due to vehicle owners and drivers neglecting basic maintenance. This bill will ensure that only safe and roadworthy vehicles operate on our highways,” Senator Hussaini emphasized.
The senator pointed to recent tanker explosions in Jigawa, Lagos, Niger, and other states, reinforcing the need for swift legislative intervention.
“The frequent transport of petroleum products on Nigerian roads without adequate safety regulations has made this bill a necessity. The Senate must act swiftly to prevent further loss of lives,” he urged.
Senator Hussaini clarified that the proposed law would not impose extra financial costs on the Federal Government, as enforcement would be handled by existing regulatory agencies.
With the growing number of tanker-related fatalities and destruction, he called on lawmakers, stakeholders, and the public to support the bill, emphasizing that safer roads mean fewer tragedies.