- Safer Fuel Transport in Nigeria
- Rail Transport for Fuel Distribution
- Nigerian Government Bans Overloaded Tankers
The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has called for the reintroduction of rail transport to improve fuel distribution safety and reduce tanker accidents on Nigerian roads.
Speaking on Saturday, MEMAN CEO Clement Isong emphasized the benefits of rail transport, highlighting its efficiency and lower accident risk compared to fuel tankers.
This comes after the Federal Government announced a ban on fuel tankers exceeding 60,000 litres, effective March 1, 2025. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) cited safety concerns and rising truck-related accidents as key reasons for the restriction.
Isong explained that while rail transport is a safer alternative, pipelines remain the most efficient solution. However, he urged government investment in railway infrastructure to enable fuel transport via rail.
Government’s Role in Fuel Safety
The regulation aligns with the United Nations’ Second Decade of Action for Road Safety, focusing on vehicle safety, traffic law enforcement, and improved road management.
Isong warned that overloaded tankers pose serious risks, including brake failures and rollovers. He urged strict enforcement of the new rule and called for investments in road safety technology.
To ensure compliance, Isong suggested training programs for tanker drivers, investments in smaller, safer tankers, and the completion of the TotalEnergies-backed driving track in Ibadan for specialized driver training.
With proper enforcement and investment, MEMAN believes that Nigeria’s fuel distribution system can become safer and more efficient.
