Sabi Mourns Niger Fuel Tanker Explosion Victims, Calls for Increased Advocacy

By Iyojo Ameh

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fuel tanker explosion that claimed over 80 lives at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Sen.

Abdullahi extended his condolences to the Niger State Government and the bereaved families while wishing a speedy recovery to the more than 50 injured victims, many of whom suffered severe burns.

He commended emergency responders for their swift action in evacuating the injured and containing the spread of the inferno. However, he lamented the frequent recurrence of fuel tanker crashes on Nigerian highways, leading to loss of lives, injuries, and destruction of property.

The Minister referenced a similar incident in September 2024 on the Agaie-Lapai Road in Niger State, which also resulted in multiple fatalities.

“Sorrow should not be our routine experience over frequent fuel tanker crashes on our roads,” he stated. “Scores of people are killed in these incidents, and the sight of mass burials for victims burnt beyond recognition is a wake-up call for all stakeholders to take decisive action.”

Sen. Abdullahi, an indigene of Niger State and the Baraden Borgu, emphasized that the state serves as a crucial transit route for haulage trucks connecting the northern and southern regions. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Works Engr. Dave Umahi for their renewed commitment to complete the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano dual carriageway reconstruction within 14 months, a project that is expected to enhance road safety.

The Minister stressed the urgent need for advocacy programmes to prevent future tanker-related disasters, warning that no region is immune to such tragedies.

“Communities must be enlightened on safety precautions whenever a fuel tanker is involved in an accident,” he advised. “Fuel is highly volatile, and no amount of spilled fuel is worth the tragedy that often follows.”

He urged road transport owners and workers, especially those involved in hauling hazardous materials, to implement regular refresher courses for their drivers, apprentices, and delivery personnel.

The Minister reiterated his commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to curb the menace of fuel tanker accidents and ensure the safety of Nigerian roads.