Babatunji Wusu –
- The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has urged fuel stations and tanker operators to address reckless driving by tanker drivers, particularly at hazardous locations.
- The call follows a tragic fuel tanker explosion in Niger State that claimed 73 lives and injured 56 others.
- FFS Controller-General Abdulganiyu Jaji emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of safety protocols in fuel transportation.
- Jaji warned against scooping fuel from fallen tankers and urged citizens to stay away from accident sites involving fuel spills.
- He called for the National Assembly to amend the outdated Fire Service Act of 1963 to improve fire safety regulations.
In the wake of a devastating fuel tanker explosion in Niger State that resulted in the deaths of 73 people and left 56 others injured, the Federal Fire Service (FFS) has called for improved safety measures on major roads and at hazardous bends. Abdulganiyu Jaji, Controller-General of the FFS, urged fuel stations and tanker operators to address reckless driving, which contributes to frequent tanker accidents.
Speaking to journalists in Minna on Saturday, Jaji called for a thorough review of the current safety protocols for fuel transportation. He expressed concern over the rising frequency of tanker explosions and fuel station accidents, noting that even small lapses, such as static sparks or gas leaks, could trigger catastrophic consequences.
Jaji also warned against the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, emphasizing the fatal risk posed by fuel vapors and leaks, which can ignite at any moment. He urged citizens to avoid accident sites involving fuel spills and report such incidents to the FFS for swift intervention.
Additionally, Jaji advised fuel station operators, gas refilling plant managers, and gas cylinder users to adhere strictly to safety protocols to prevent future tragedies. He commended the quick response of first responders to the Niger explosion, acknowledging their efforts as a testament to Nigeria’s resilience.
The FFS chief extended his condolences to the victims’ families and stressed the importance of heightened public awareness and safety education to prevent similar incidents. Jaji also called on the National Assembly to expedite an amendment to the Fire Service Act of 1963, arguing that the outdated legislation needs modernization to better address current fire safety challenges and enhance regulations to prevent future disasters.
