NEMA Sensitizes Niger Residents on the Dangers of Fuel Tanker Accidents and Fires
By Our Correspondent.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched a sensitization campaign to educate residents in Niger State about the dangers of fuel accidents and fires.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, inaugurated the campaign in Lambata, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, with Dr. Zainab Ndanusa, Head of the Disaster Risk Reduction Unit at the NEMA Minna Operations Office, representing her.
During the launch, Umar stated that the campaign aims to raise awareness about the risks associated with fuel tanker accidents. She emphasized that NEMA strongly believes that preparedness and prevention are more effective than response and recovery.
“To address this issue, the agency is proactively sensitizing stakeholders in the transport sector to collectively mitigate risks,” she said.
“This campaign is a life-saving initiative born out of our growing concern over the alarming frequency of fuel tanker accidents in our communities and on our highways.”
The Director General pointed out that fuel tanker accidents have led to the loss of countless innocent lives and devastating fires that leave behind immense sorrow and grief. Many of the victims were men, women, and youth who were breadwinners and promising members of society.
Umar urged tanker drivers and petroleum transport companies to prioritize safety, avoid reckless driving, excessive speed, poor vehicle maintenance, and negligence, which are major contributors to these deadly crashes.
She stressed that one mistake can cost many lives and destroy property, urging the public to stay away from fallen tankers and not attempt to siphon fuel.
Additionally, Abdulsalam Zumba, Director of Risk Reduction at the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), advised motorists, especially drivers of articulated vehicles, to drive safely.
Ibrahim Mohammed, Chief of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) for Petroleum Tanker Drivers at NUPENG, mentioned that the association consistently advises its members to avoid speeding and to rest adequately before embarking on journeys.
