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NEMA’s Efforts in Addressing Tanker Fire Incidents in Nigeria and the Need for Stakeholder Collaboration

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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

  1. Government Agencies:
    Ministries of Transportation and Petroleum should enforce stricter regulations on tanker operations, including vehicle roadworthiness, proper licensing, and driver training programs.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Legislators and Policymakers:
    Laws mandating the adoption of safety measures and imposing penalties for negligence can create a culture of accountability among tanker operators.
  6. 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

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Gunmen kill trader in Kafanchan, kaduna

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Gunmen kill trader in Kafanchan, kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

A 42-year-old man, Shok Musa, has been killed by yet-to-be-identified gunmen in Kafanchan in Kaduna state.

Zagazola gathered from reliable sources that the incident occurred on Sunday night near the victim’s shop at Ungwa Kanikon, Gidan Waya.

Security forces rushed to the scene after receiving a distress call, and found Musa with fatal gunshot injuries on his back.

“He was taken to Anglican Hospital, Gidan Waya, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor. His body was later deposited at the Kafanchan General Hospital mortuary,”said the sources.

The sources added that investigation had commenced, and efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the perpetrators.

Gunmen kill trader in Kafanchan, kaduna

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Security forces fortify Kaduna–Abuja rail line, Rigasa station and highway

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Security forces fortify Kaduna–Abuja rail line, Rigasa station and highway

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces have intensified patrols and security measures along the Abuja–Kaduna railway corridor, Rigasa train station, and the Abuja–Kaduna highway.

Sources said the move was part of efforts to protect critical transport infrastructure and forestall criminal attacks.

The sources stated that area commanders in Jere and Kakuri, as well as divisional police officers along the rail corridor, had been placed on red alert in collaboration with other security agencies.

“Rigasa train main station has been fortified, while patrols along the railway line and sub-stations have been intensified. Patrol vehicles deployed on the Abuja–Kaduna highway are maintaining 24-hour visibility, with hourly situation reports rendered accordingly,”said sources.

Security forces assured the public of its commitment to ensuring safe travel and the protection of lives and property across the state.

Security forces fortify Kaduna–Abuja rail line, Rigasa station and highway

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Two killed as troops repel bandit attack in Katsina

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Two killed as troops repel bandit attack in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

At least two persons were killed following an attack by suspected bandits on villages in Dutsinma Local Government Area of the state.

Sources said the incident occurred on Sunday night when bandits invaded Babangida and Madugu villages.

The sources said that the military troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in collaboration with the police and local patrol teams, responded swiftly and engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to abort a planned assault on Sabon Garin Safana village.

“However, two victims, identified as Shamsu Sani, 25, of Makera, and Abdurrashed Rabe, 25, of Tashar Mangwaro, sustained critical injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital, Dutsinma, where they were confirmed dead,” said the sources.

The sources said that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing bandits.

Two killed as troops repel bandit attack in Katsina

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