Niger tank explosion: Tinubu orders national campaign against scooping fuel

President Bola Tinubu
Abdullateef Fowewe
President Bola Tinubu has directed the National Orientation Agency to launch a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at educating Nigerians on the dangers of scooping fuel from overturned tankers.
The behest follows the tragic tanker explosion that claimed over 70 lives and left many others injured at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area, on Saturday.
Tinubu in a statement on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, cautioned citizens against approaching accident scenes involving fuel-laden vehicles, highlighting their highly explosive nature.
Mourning the victims, President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to their families, as well as to the government and people of Niger State.
He described the incident as tragic and preventable, noting that many of the casualties were individuals attempting to scoop petrol from the overturned tanker.
Onanuga wrote, “The President has directed the provision of comprehensive medical care for the injured and has instructed security and road safety agencies to implement stricter measures to prevent similar occurrences.”
President Tinubu tasked the NOA to spearhead a nationwide public education campaign, underscoring the grave risks and environmental hazards associated with scooping fuel from fallen tankers.