By Uko Okon
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched a public awareness campaign in Akwa Ibom State to educate residents on the dangers of scooping petrol from crashed tankers.
Speaking during a one-day Public Awareness Programme on Tanker Accident and Fire in Uyo on Thursday, the State Head of Operations, NEMA, Mrs Mmandu Aisueni said the move became imperative to prevent tanker-related accidents and fatalities in the state.
“Today’s event is a vital step towards reducing the devastating impact of tanker-related and articulated vehicle disasters in our communities.
“Tanker accidents and fires have become a recurring tragedy in Nigeria, leading to loss of lives, properties, livelihoods and environmental damage.”
She cited recent incidents, including a fuel tanker explosion in Niger State that killed at least 59 people and another in Jigawa State that claimeed over 100 lives.
Aisueni warned that scooping petrol from crashed tankers is highly flammable and can trigger catastrophic fires, endangering lives and property.
According to her, the agency is taking a proactive approach to educate the public on the risks associated with fuel scooping, emphasizing that it is both illegal and hazardous.
She identified poor vehicle maintenance, reckless driving, overloading, road infrastructure challenges, and lack of public awareness on emergency response as major causes of tanker accidents.
Aisueni emphasized that disaster prevention is a shared responsibility and urged residents to prioritize safety and avoid actions that could endanger lives.
She urged residents of the state to report any tanker accidents or unsafe tanker operations to the authorities immediately.
“Disaster prevention is a shared responsibility. We urge government agencies, transport unions and community leaders to take proactive steps in enforcing safety regulations.”
“Road users must also exercise caution and report unsafe tankers and articulated vehicle operations.”
In his remarks, the State Chairman of Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Mr Joseph Otu expressed delight for the sensitisation by NEMA.
He noted that NUPENG has been consistent with the training of its workers, adding that the organization has fabricated tankers carrying petrol products in such a way that prevent leakage if accident occurs.
Otu appealed to the federal government to fix particularly Calabar-Itu highway to help reduce tanker crashes.
