The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has called for stronger collaboration, vigilance and compliance with operational standards to improve the safety of petroleum products transportation.

The South-South regional coordinator of NMDPRA, Ibrahim Dimowo, made the call on Thursday at the second edition of the Technical Working Committee (TWC) Trucks-in-Transit Road Show in Warri.

Mr Dimowo said the programme would deepen safety awareness among petroleum operators and tanker drivers, building on the success of its maiden edition in Lagos.

He said the training covered defensive driving, hazard recognition, fatigue management, fire prevention, spill containment, tanker integrity and emergency response.

He noted that the transportation of petroleum products remained critical to Nigeria’s energy security and economic development, requiring collective efforts to minimise associated risks.

He commended the technical working committee on trucks-in-transit for promoting initiatives aimed at reducing tanker accidents and strengthening emergency preparedness.

Mr Dimowo also urged tanker drivers and transport operators to prioritise safety and protect lives, property and the environment.

“Every safe trip completed is a testament to your commitment to protecting lives and preserving the integrity of the petroleum supply chain,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the knowledge gained from the engagement would further strengthen collective efforts towards preventing incidents and ensuring safer roads for all users.

Also speaking, Yusuf Othman, national president of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), reaffirmed the association’s support for the initiative.

Mr Othman’s address was delivered by Atiku Ahmed, the association’s general manager, administration.

He described road safety as a shared responsibility involving drivers, transport owners, regulators and communities.

Mr Othman cited Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) statistics indicating that 7,156 road crashes occurred nationwide between January and September 2026.

He said the crashes resulted in 3,445 deaths and 22,292 injuries during the period.

He, however, noted that the FRSC reported a 61.29 per cent reduction in tanker- and trailer-related fatalities in 2025.

Mr Othman said NARTO prioritised driver training, compliance with loading procedures, the use of speed-limiting devices, vehicle inspections and public enlightenment.

He urged tanker drivers to observe speed limits and take adequate rest, while advising motorists to maintain safe distances from crashed or leaking tankers.

In a presentation, Omiko Godwin, assistant corps marshal, Operations, FRSC, attributed 90 per cent of tanker-related crashes to speeding and fatigue.

Speaking on “Staying Alive on the Highway: Defensive Driving, Fatigue and Hazard Awareness for Tanker Drivers”, Godwin stressed the need for professionalism.

He urged operators to provide two drivers for each tanker to ensure that one could take over whenever the other became tired.

Mr Godwin also advised drivers to inspect their vehicles before journeys, understand their routes and maintain safe distances from other road users.

Also speaking, Billy Gillis-Harry, national president of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), called for preventive measures to reduce tanker accidents at retail outlets.

He identified continuous training, effective supervision, improved infrastructure, modern technology and disciplined operations as essential to preventing accidents.

Speaking on behalf of participants, Emmanuel Omokero, national assistant secretary of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers’ branch of NUPENG, commended the organisers.

He described the training as the first of its kind in Warri and urged drivers to avoid night journeys and rest whenever they felt fatigued.

On his part, Godwin Ikomi, Delta coordinator of NMDPRA, said the sensitisation programme would be sustained.

Representatives of government agencies, security and emergency response organisations attended the event.

Others included tanker drivers, petroleum marketers, depot operators and truck owners. 

(NAN)