The National Emergency Management Agency has called for collaboration to prevent petrol tanker fire incidents across Nigeria, citing the significant loss of lives and property.

Speaking at a one-day workshop in Gombe on Tuesday, NEMA’s head of operations, Ummunah Ahmed, said the event aimed to raise awareness of the dangers of petrol tanker fires and promote safety precautions.

The workshop, themed “Combating Fire Risk Associated with Petrol Tanker Accidents through Awareness Creation,” brought together key stakeholders.

Ms Ahmed emphasised the agency’s collaboration with partners under the leadership of Director General, Zubaida Umar, to address the recurring problem.

She urged intensified grassroots awareness and warned against the dangerous practice of scooping spilt fuel at accident scenes, which often led to fatalities.

Edoghanya Matthew of the Federal Fire Service urged tanker drivers to ensure regular vehicle maintenance, participate in ongoing training, and equip themselves with necessary safety tools.

He presented a paper titled “Mitigating Petrol Tanker Fire Outbreaks in Nigeria”.

Spokesperson for the Gombe State police command, Buhari Abdullahi, urged the public to prioritise safety over recording videos or looting during tanker accidents.

Secretary of the Gombe branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Musa Yunusa, commended NEMA’s initiative and pledged to cascade the training to members.

He also called on security operatives to avoid harassing tanker drivers, stressing the need for their mental well-being.

Participants included representatives from the Federal and State Fire Services, the Nigerian Red Cross, the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency, NURTW, and petrol tanker drivers.

(NAN)