The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ebonyi State Command, has called on the federal and state governments to ban the daytime movement of patrol tankers and vehicles carrying inflammable products to curb recurring explosions.
The State Commandant, Francis Nnadi, made the appeal during a courtesy visit by members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State chapter, led by Chairman Comrade Uchenna Inya.
Nnadi expressed concerns over the frequent explosions caused by patrol tankers, which have claimed many lives across the country. He also criticized the establishment of gas plants in residential areas without adequate safety measures.
Citing recent incidents in Niger and Ogun states that resulted in significant loss of lives, Nnadi urged collaboration among security agencies, including the Road Safety Corps, the police, and the Nigerian Army, to prioritize road safety and disaster management.
“The movement of tankers during the day poses a significant risk, especially as global weather changes have increased the volatility of inflammable products. Ebonyi State can lead by example, restricting tankers to nighttime movements when roads are less congested,” Nnadi stated.
He further noted, “At the slightest trigger, these products ignite, causing catastrophic explosions. Gas plants in residential areas only exacerbate the danger, especially when safety protocols are ignored.”
Nnadi called for a holistic approach, including educating tanker drivers, enforcing stricter regulations, and convening meetings with tanker associations to ensure compliance.
“We need to educate these drivers and implement policies to minimize accidents. Let’s act now to save lives and prevent future tragedies,” he concluded.
