- Tinubu has formed a committee to investigate tanker explosions in Nigeria.
- The committee aims to implement safety measures and address road safety concerns.
- This follows the tragic explosion in Niger State that killed 86 people.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the establishment of a high-level committee to investigate and curb recurring tanker explosions across Nigeria.
This directive, aimed at preventing future tragedies, was announced by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, during a visit to the Emir of Suleja’s palace on Sunday.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the visit was to console victims of Saturday’s tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State. The explosion claimed 86 lives, left 55 injured, and caused widespread devastation.
The committee will comprise representatives from the Ministries of Information and Humanitarian Affairs, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), tanker drivers’ associations, and other key stakeholders. “The government is committed to ensuring such devastating incidents become a thing of the past,” Idris said, adding that the administration would intensify awareness campaigns on fuel tanker safety and road habits.
The tragic explosion follows several similar incidents in recent months:
- In January 2025, five people died in Delta State after a tanker accident.
- In September 2024, 59 lives were lost in a tanker-truck collision in Niger State.
- In October 2024, over 170 people were killed in Jigawa State in a tanker explosion.
These incidents come amid a worsening economic crisis fueled by petrol scarcity and rising costs. Following the removal of the fuel subsidy in May 2023, petrol prices have soared over fivefold, deepening hardship for millions.
Inflation peaked at 34% in mid-2024 before slightly easing to 32.7%, while poverty levels have surged, with over 56% of Nigerians now living below the poverty line.
The recurring tanker explosions underscore the urgent need for safety reforms and economic relief in Nigeria.
