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NEMA’s Efforts in Addressing Tanker Fire Incidents in Nigeria and the Need for Stakeholder Collaboration
NEMA’s Efforts in Addressing Tanker Fire Incidents in Nigeria and the Need for Stakeholder Collaboration
Tanker fire incidents in Nigeria have caused significant loss of lives and property, creating a pressing need for proactive solutions. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), under the leadership of the Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges through various initiatives, including prevention strategies, emergency response, and public awareness campaigns. However, for these efforts to achieve sustained impact, there is a critical need for stakeholders to complement NEMA’s efforts.
NEMA’s Initiatives
- Training and Capacity Building:
NEMA has organized training programs to equip grassroots volunteers, community members, and members of the Tanker Drivers Association with skills to prevent and respond to tanker accidents. For example, in December 2024, NEMA trained community volunteers across the country on fire safety and accident prevention strategies, especially in areas prone to fire disasters during the harmattan season. - Collaboration with Key Agencies:
The agency collaborates with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Fire Service to manage and prevent tanker crashes, focusing on providing emergency services and relief to victims. - Emergency Relief and Assistance:
NEMA has consistently responded to tanker fire incidents by distributing relief materials to affected victims and coordinating with first responders to address immediate needs. - Public Awareness Campaigns:
Advocacy and education remain central to NEMA’s work. The agency emphasizes the need for communities to adopt safety measures, including the use of anti-spill locks on fuel tankers. Additionally, NEMA actively discourages citizens from scooping spilled fuel from accident scenes, a dangerous practice that often leads to fatalities during tanker fire incidents. The agency’s campaigns educate the public on the risks of explosions and emphasize the importance of evacuating such scenes immediately.
The Role of Stakeholders in Complementing NEMA’s Efforts
While NEMA’s interventions are commendable, the scope and complexity of the issue require the active involvement of multiple stakeholders.
- Government Agencies:
Ministries of Transportation and Petroleum should enforce stricter regulations on tanker operations, including vehicle roadworthiness, proper licensing, and driver training programs. - Oil and Gas Companies:
These companies must ensure that tankers are equipped with modern safety technologies, such as anti-spill locks and fire suppression systems. They should also invest in emergency response training for drivers and transport personnel. - Tanker Owners and Operators:
Private sector stakeholders, including the Tanker Drivers Association, should ensure compliance with road safety standards and promote routine maintenance of vehicles. - Community Organizations:
Grassroots organizations can play a critical role in sensitizing local communities about the risks of tanker fire incidents and how to respond effectively during emergencies. - Legislators and Policymakers:
Laws mandating the adoption of safety measures and imposing penalties for negligence can create a culture of accountability among tanker operators. - The Media:
Media outlets should amplify awareness campaigns, highlighting the dangers of unsafe practices, such as scooping fuel from accident sites, and promoting NEMA’s preventive initiatives.
Conclusion
Tackling recurring tanker fire incidents in Nigeria is a collective responsibility. While NEMA has laid a solid foundation through its proactive efforts, the active involvement of stakeholders from various sectors is essential to achieve long-term safety and resilience. Collaboration will not only reduce the frequency of tanker-related disasters but also save lives and protect communities across the nation.
Press Unit
NEMA Headquarters, Abuja
3rd February 2025
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled suspected terrorists during an ambush operation along the Marte–Dikwa axis of Borno.
Security sources said the encounter occurred late on March 13 when troops of the 50 Task Force Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with personnel of the 134 Special Forces Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, laid an ambush along the main supply route between Marte and Dikwa in Borno State.
According to the sources, the troops made contact with a group of terrorists moving on bicycles at about 10:15 p.m.
The troops immediately engaged the insurgents forcing them to withdraw into nearby bushes.
During exploitation of the area, the troops recovered the corpse of one suspected terrorist, four bicycles and other sundry items believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
The Vice President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, has hailed the appointment of Nigeria’s foremost table tennis administrator, Wahid Oshodi to the Board of World Table Tennis (WTT).
Hon. Mailantarki described the appointment as a “round peg in a round hole,” noting that Oshodi’s elevation to the game’s apex commercial body is a testament to his track record of excellence.
Oshodi, who is the current President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) and Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), was appointed as a Director to represent the ITTF on the WTT Board alongside ITTF President Petra Sörling.
“This is a proud moment for Nigeria and a victory for the African continent,” Mailantarki stated.
“Barrister Oshodi has risen through the ranks from the national level to the continental stage with a vision that has transformed the sport.
“Having him as a decision-maker at the highest level of World Table Tennis ensures that African interests are well-represented.”
The NTTF Vice President further congratulated the Nigerian sports community, emphasizing that Oshodi’s presence in the WTT inner circle will serve as a catalyst for the continued growth and commercialization of the game globally.
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued six kidnapped victims after engaging suspected terrorists in a gun battle in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of armed terrorists suspected to be transporting abducted victims through forest routes in the area.
According to the sources, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gurara, under Sub-Sector 4 of Operation FANSAN YANMA, responded swiftly to the intelligence at about 7 a.m. on March 14.
The troops subsequently laid an ambush at a suspected crossing point used by the terrorists around Sabon Kurutu Village in Kachia LGA.
“During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. The criminals, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning some items,” the source said.
Following the engagement, troops combed the general area and successfully rescued six kidnapped victims. However, a seventh victim, a minor, was reported to have died during the crossfire between the troops and the fleeing terrorists.
Troops also recovered three motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists during the movement of the abducted victims.
Preliminary interrogation of the rescued victims revealed that they were abducted earlier on March 14 from Janjala Village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The victims said they had been moved through forest routes by the terrorists before the troops intercepted them.
The rescued victims and the body of the deceased minor were evacuated to Katari Hospital for medical attention and other necessary procedures.
Military sources said families of the rescued victims had been contacted.
The Military said the troops 1 Division Operation FANSAN YANMA and other task force has continued sustained offensives and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks across the North-West region.
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
Troops arrest two suspected drug peddlers in Abia raid
Troops arrest suspected local arms fabricator in Sokoto
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
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