The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos Sector Command, says prevention of tanker-related incidents require strict compliance to safety protocols from drivers, petroleum product transporters, and regulatory authorities

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos Sector Command, says prevention of tanker-related incidents require strict compliance to safety protocols from drivers, petroleum product transporters, and regulatory authorities.

Corps Commandant Kehinde Hamzat, FRSC Lagos Sector Command, said this at the 2025 end-of-year safety campaign and stakeholders meeting held on Thursday in Lagos.

Hamzat represented by Deputy Corps Commander Monday Otubu, reiterated the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to enhance safety in the transportation of petroleum products across the state and the country at large.

“Drivers handling petroleum products are carrying critical responsibility and must remain alert, conscious, and safety-focused at all times.

“Tanker operators are reminded that every trip should be approached with caution because they transport highly sensitive products capable of causing severe explosions if mishandled,” he said.

He urged drivers to “drive a second per unit,” emphasising steady control of speed, regardless of destination or pressure.

“Safety is a collective duty and so faulty vehicles cannot be managed, every tanker must be fully inspected before leaving the depot,” he said.

He noted that tanker explosions are preventable when drivers uphold proper safety procedures.

Hamzat said safety in transportation rests on three pillars—the man, the machine, and the environment.

He encouraged Nigerians to report unsafe driving through FRSC emergency numbers, including 122, to help prevent avoidable tragedies.

“FRSC reaffirmed that the ongoing safety campaign seeks to deepen awareness, ensure accountability, and strengthen partnerships within the petroleum transport sector.

“ The command pledged to sustain enforcement, improve public education, and work with industry stakeholders to ensure safer roads for all Nigerians,” he said.

Also speaking, the State Coordinator, FRSC Safe-to-Load Programme, CRC Olasehinde Egbontan, raised concerns over rising global and national road traffic injuries.

Egbontan cited an alarming statistics of 1.19 million people dying annually from road crashes worldwide, with Africa accounting for 19 per cent of the fatalities.

"Nigeria alone records more than 11,748 road traffic crash  with high fatality every year,'' he said.

He lamented that in spite of being trained in defensive driving, many drivers still practice offensive driving.

Egbontan identified major causes of tanker accidents as driver fatigue, poor knowledge, leaking vehicles, and incorrect installation or handling of API-standard manhole covers.

He warned drivers not to claim their right and die, advising them to always prioritise safety and avoid driving for more than 11 hours at a stretch.

Present at the stakeholders meeting were the representatives of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, truck owners and others