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Local government

NEMA Warns Against Scooping Fuel from Accidents as Lives and Property Are Lost

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As part of efforts to reduce the loss of lives and property due to tanker accidents, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched a sensitization campaign against scooping fuel from accidented tankers. The campaign, held in collaboration with the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA) and other stakeholders, aims to drive strong sensitization against the practice at the grassroots level. According to NEMA's Head of Operations in Ibadan, Mr Kadiri Olanrewaju, the campaign will focus on communities under the Akinyele Local Government Area (LGA), where major trailer parks are located. The move comes as the agency warns against the dangers of scooping fuel from tanker accidents, which has led to the loss of many lives and property.

Key Takeaways:

  • NEMA has launched a sensitization campaign against scooping fuel from tanker accidents, which has led to the loss of many lives and property.
  • The campaign, held in collaboration with OYSEMA and other stakeholders, aims to drive strong sensitization against the practice at the grassroots level.
  • The focus is on communities under the Akinyele LGA, where major trailer parks are located.
  • The Administrative Secretary of OYSEMA, Mrs Ojuolape Busari, called for stiff penalties for anyone caught perpetrating the act of scooping fuel from tanker accidents.
  • Busari noted that the practice is considered stealing, which is a serious offence.
  • The Executive Chairman of Akinyele LGA, Akinwole Akinyele, suggested that fuel transportation should be handled through the rail system, while leaving tankers for intra-city fuel transportation.
  • The chairman also called for an urgent review of laws and policies related to fire services and road safety to meet the urgent and modern demands.
  • The implementation of stricter fuel transportation regulations, vehicle maintenance, drivers' training and retraining, and safer fuel handling practices remain crucial to the fuel distribution system in Nigeria.
  • The attendant costs of tanker fire accidents have been huge, both in terms of the high number of fatalities and the loss or destruction of property, environmental damage, and public infrastructure.

Statistics:

  • The loss of lives and property due to tanker accidents has been significant in Nigeria.
  • The campaign aims to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities.
  • The sensitization campaign targets communities under the Akinyele LGA.
  • The campaign will focus on drivers and operators of tankers and trailers to ensure they comply with safety regulations.
  • Nigeria has a high number of tanker accidents, which is attributed to a combination of factors, including poor road conditions, driver errors, and vehicle maintenance issues.

Sources:

  • News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
  • National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
  • Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA)
  • Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
  • Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
  • Fire Service
  • Akinyele Local Government Area (LGA)

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