The federal government has banned fuel tankers with a 60,000-litre capacity from loading and transporting petroleum products nationwide.
Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), announced the ban on Wednesday.
Effective from March 1, 2025, the ban aims to reduce tanker explosions and fires, which have caused numerous fatalities.
Recent data shows 493 deaths from tanker-related incidents in three years, with 121 deaths recorded in early 2025.
Ahmed, represented by Ogbugo Ukoha, NMDPRA’s Executive Director, made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja.
He added that by the fourth quarter of 2025, trucks carrying over 45,000 litres will also face a loading ban.
“The ban applies to trucks carrying more than 60,000 litres of petroleum products, effective March 1, 2025,” Ahmed stressed.
He said this measure follows agreements reached among key stakeholders, including DSS, FEMA, FRSC, and various industry unions.
“For the first time, all stakeholders have reached a consensus on ensuring safe transportation of petroleum products,” Ahmed stated.
He further emphasized that this ban is one of ten critical measures agreed upon to curb tanker-related accidents.
The federal government urges all operators to comply, ensuring safer roads and fewer petroleum transportation-related tragedies nationwide.
