By Sabiu Abdullahi
President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other traffic enforcement agencies to implement measures aimed at preventing the frequent petrol tanker explosions occurring across Nigeria.
This directive, delivered in a statement on Sunday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, comes amidst a worrying rise in such incidents, which have led to significant loss of life and property.
“The president calls for caution and adherence to safety measures among road users, particularly fuel tanker operators,” the statement reads.
“Furthermore, he directs agencies in charge of enforcing traffic rules to implement measures to prevent recurring petrol tanker explosions nationwide,” it added.
The president expressed condolences to the families of victims and prayed for the souls of the deceased, while also wishing a speedy recovery to those injured in the explosions.
Recent incidents underscore the urgency of the president’s directive.
On Saturday, a tanker explosion at the Ugwu Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway claimed 18 lives, according to FRSC reports.
Just a week prior, another explosion in Niger State’s Gurara Local Government Area resulted in over 70 fatalities.