Worried by the recent increase in tanker explosions and accidents involving haulage trucks, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria has called for comprehensive reforms and strict implementation of existing regulations in the sector.
These approaches were proposed at a virtual summit organized by the CILT Lagos Branch on the theme: “Tanker Explosions: Our Perspectives and Options” on Saturday.
While delivering the guest lecture, Dr. Ezinneka Okodudu, stressed the urgent need for comprehensive reforms as tanker accidents in Nigeria demand stronger regulations, better enforcement, and infrastructure improvements.
Her words: “A multi-faceted approach is required, including stricter laws, enhanced driver training, improved vehicle safety, and better emergency response systems.
“Collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society is crucial. Existing laws are poorly enforced due to corruption and weak oversight, therefore, government must amend and enforce stricter transport laws with severe penalties.”
She equally recommended higher insurance premiums for tanker and haulage companies with poor safety records in the country; adding the need for fiscal incentives for truck/ tanker operators.
Dr. Okodudu advised the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) to conduct more frequent and unannounced inspections, while adding that real-time monitoring needed to track tanker movement and traffic violations.
Noting that stronger leadership and systemic change are needed for safer roads, she posited that CILT can play a key role in advancing road safety, driver training, policy advocacy and frequent multi-stakeholder engagements for long-term solutions.
Also speaking, a former Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, stated that the country has sufficient laws and regulations to curb the menace of truck accidents but lamented that Implementation was the bane of the sector.
He observed that over 90% of the tankers and trucks operating in the country are older that 30 years, yet they convey goods heavier than the required axle load (weight limit).
The former FRSC boss also noted that most tanker and truckers weren’t properly trained as they graduated from motorboys into drivers having watched their predecessors for years.
Oyeyemi, however, expressed optimism that judicious use of pipelines would help reduce the number of tankers traveling long distances with petroleum products across the country.
In her welcome remarks, the President of CILT Nigeria, Barr. Mfon Usoro, bemoaned the frequency of accidents and explosions leading to loss of lives and properties across the country.
Usoro assured that the Institute would continue to engage the operators and develop a strategic document that would be disseminated to relevant authorities in order to curb the menace.
Earlier, the Chairman of CILT Lagos Branch, Dr. Bashir Ambi, appreciated the President of CILT Nigeria, Barr. Usoro, for her sterling leadership and her commitment to honour the invitation for the webinar.
The virtual event, which was moderated by Mrs. Margaret Ogbonna, had lots of eminent personalities in attendance, including the Vice President, CILT Nigeria, Dr. Aminu Yusuf, FCILT, Mr. Francis Ehiguise FCILT, Dr. Shehu Usman Gidado FCILT, Queen Ajayi, Samuel Usoro FCILT, Womens Rep – Juliana Saka FCILT, among others.
