This initiative comes after a devastating tanker explosion in Niger State claimed over 80 lives, with 55 others injured. Tinubu described the casualties as "avoidable deaths," emphasising the need for public awareness about the severe risks and environmental hazards associated with scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the launch of a nationwide campaign to educate Nigerians on the dangers of scooping fuel from overturned petrol tankers.
This initiative comes after a devastating tanker explosion in Niger State claimed over 80 lives, with 55 others injured. Tinubu described the casualties as "avoidable deaths," emphasising the need for public awareness about the severe risks and environmental hazards associated with scooping fuel from fallen tankers.
The National Orientation Agency will lead the nationwide educational campaign, aiming to raise awareness about the dangers of approaching accident sites, especially those involving fuel-laden vehicles, due to their highly explosive nature.
Tinubu urged citizens to exercise caution and avoid such areas, while also directing security and road safety authorities to implement measures to prevent similar incidents.
Condoling with the Niger state government, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the fuel tanker explosion, which occurred on Saturday along the Dikko-Maje Road, opposite Badeggi filling station in the Suleja Local Government Area of the state.
President Tinubu mourned the victims and expressed his condolences to the families affected, as well as to the government and people of Niger State.
SaharaReporters had reported that reports had indicated that people who gathered to scoop the spilling fuel were caught in an explosion, which also affected those attempting to rescue victims.
The fire engulfed a wide area, leaving charred remains and widespread destruction.
According to the Presidency on Sunday, Tinubu “underscored the tragic and preventable nature of the incident, as many victims were those scooping Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the overturned tanker”.
The statement said, “The President has directed the provision of comprehensive medical care to the injured and instructed security and road safety authorities to implement measures to avert similar incidents.
“President Bola Tinubu strongly advises all citizens to exercise caution and avoid approaching accident sites, especially those involving fuel-laden vehicles, due to their highly explosive nature.
“Additionally, the President has mandated the National Orientation Agency to initiate a nationwide educational campaign. This campaign will raise public awareness about the severe risks and environmental dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers.”