NIGERIA TO BAN 60,000-LITRE FUEL TANKERS FROM MARCH 2025 TO CURB ACCIDENTS

By Olayiwola Ibrahim // The federal government has announced that fuel tankers with a capacity of 60,000 litres and above will no longer be allowed to operate on Nigerian roads starting March 1, 2025.

The restriction aims to reduce the rising number of accidents involving petroleum trucks. Additionally, by the fourth quarter of 2025, trucks exceeding 45,000 litres will also be barred from loading fuel.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) disclosed the decision after consultations with key stakeholders, including security agencies, road safety officials, and petroleum marketers.

According to Ogbugo Ukoha, NMDPRA’s Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure, the move became necessary due to the alarming rate of tanker-related accidents.

However, the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has expressed concerns over the policy, warning that it could lead to financial losses of approximately N300 billion for tanker owners.

NARTO President Yusuf Othman noted that nearly 2,000 trucks, each valued at about N150 million, would be affected.

He argued that poor road conditions, driver errors, and inadequate vehicle maintenance contribute more to accidents than tanker size.

Othman urged the government to implement a buy-back policy to assist truck owners in transitioning to smaller-capacity vehicles.

Since 2009, Nigeria has recorded 172 oil tanker crashes, resulting in nearly 1,900 deaths.

A tragic explosion in Jigawa State in 2024, which claimed 181 lives, underscored the dangers associated with fuel transportation.

With 28 tanker crashes recorded since May 2023 alone, the government insists that the ban is a necessary step toward improving road safety.

While some industry stakeholders acknowledge the need for stricter regulations, concerns remain about potential fuel supply disruptions and economic implications.

The government has yet to respond to calls for compensation or transitional support for affected truck owners.