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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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Crisis brews in Gombe SDP as Yakubu emerges acting chairman

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Crisis brews in Gombe SDP as Yakubu emerges acting chairman

The Gombe State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has appointed a new chairman, Aaron Yakubu to serve in acting capacity following the suspension of its state chairman, Comrade Adamu Abubakar Modibbo, over allegations of mismanagement, lack of transparency, and misuse of party resources.

His suspension was announced at a news conference held in Gombe on Saturday by the party’s Welfare Secretary, Usman Yahaya, on behalf of concerned members of the state executive.

Reading the statement, Yahaya said there were countless complaints against the now suspended chairman, whom he said had side-lined party stakeholders and running the party like his personal property.

“Since Comrade Modibbo assumed office, the party has experienced no meaningful progress. Instead, the leadership claims he has used his position to witch-hunt loyal stakeholders and frustrated committed party members for his personal gain.”

He accused Modibbo of systematically “caging” the party’s executive members and aspirants, depriving over 90% of both returning and newly acting executive members of access to official SDP membership cards.

He further alleged that the selection of party candidates has been done without due process or consultation, with names being announced solely via national platforms involving prominent figures like Malam Nasir El-Rufai, thereby side-lining the state executive.
Yahaya also accused the suspended chairman of allegedly using his personal residence as the de facto party office.

This, the executives say, violates proper procedures and comes despite funds being made available to renovate the official state party office and rent offices across the local government areas.

“As it stands, the SDP in Gombe State does not have a functional or recognised operational office,”

In the light of the above weighty and numerous allegations against Modibbo, the Welfare Secretary said that the Gombe State chapter of the party has taken decisive action by suspending Comrade Adamu Abubakar Modibbo as chairman with immediate effect.

“In this regard, we hereby announce that the current State Secretary of the party, Mr. Aaron Yakubu, will now serve as the Acting State Chairman of the SDP in Gombe.

“Similarly, Ambassador Lukman Adamu Elkanem, previously serving as the Acting Assistant Public Relations Officer, has now been appointed as the Acting State Secretary of the party.”

Yahaya, on behalf of the state chapter of the SDP, appealed for intervention from the national body of the party to look into the allegations against the former chairman and to restore discipline, accountability, and credible leadership to the Gombe chapter of the party.

Speaking shortly in an interview, Yakubu said he would work to build inclusiveness in the party and ensure all party members were carried along in line with the constitution of the party.

He stated that out of the 13 working committee members of the party, nine were present and in support of the suspension of Modibbo.

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Kidnap victim rescued with machete wounds in Suleja

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Kidnap victim rescued with machete wounds in Suleja

By: Zagazola Makama

A 45-year-old man, identified as Samuel John, has been rescued by a joint team of police and vigilantes after being abducted and severely injured by suspected kidnappers in the Polosa area of Suleja, Niger State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, June 27, when hoodlums reportedly stormed the community and whisked the victim away from his residence.

According to the sources, a vigilante member, raised the alarm, prompting an immediate response from security operatives attached to the ‘B’ Division Suleja and members of the local vigilante group.

The combined team pursued the kidnappers into the surrounding bush. On sighting the advancing security team, the assailants attacked the victim with machetes, inflicting deep cuts on his head and both hands before abandoning him and fleeing the scene.

The victim was quickly rescued and rushed to the General Hospital Suleja, where he is currently receiving medical attention.

Kidnap victim rescued with machete wounds in Suleja

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Abducted Sharia Court judge escapes from kidnappers in Zamfara

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Abducted Sharia Court judge escapes from kidnappers in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Alkali Usman, a Sharia Court judge attached to the Higher Sharia Court in Birnin Tudu, Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, has escaped from captivity after being abducted by unknown gunmen.

Zagazola Makama learnt from reliable sources that Usman, who was reported kidnapped on June 26, returned home safely on Friday morning, June 27, at about 10:00 a.m., according to local sources.

Upon his return, the judge was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where he received medical attention and was subsequently discharged.

He was later debriefed by security operatives and reunited with his family.

Authorities have not disclosed the circumstances surrounding his escape.

Abducted Sharia Court judge escapes from kidnappers in Zamfara

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