By Muhammad Mamman
In a bold move to enhance road safety and prevent catastrophic fuel spills, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Western Zone, has announced that petrol tankers will be restricted to loading a maximum of 45,000 litres starting October 1, 2025. This landmark decision, revealed by IPMAN Chairman Oyewole Akanni in Ibadan, follows a critical meeting with key stakeholders, including the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The initiative targets the alarming rise in tanker accidents caused by overloading, which has led to devastating road damage, fuel spillages, and loss of lives. “Previously, some tankers carried up to 90,000 litres, far beyond their design capacity, making them unstable and prone to crashes,” Akanni explained. To further safeguard communities, the government has mandated the installation of advanced safety covers on all tankers to prevent fuel spillage during accidents, ensuring minimal risk unless tanks are deliberately punctured.
Despite these reforms, challenges persist. Akanni highlighted the reckless activities of vandals who puncture fallen tankers to siphon fuel, exacerbating dangers. Additionally, night driving, often linked to driver fatigue, has been identified as a major accident trigger. To combat this, IPMAN has reinforced a strict no-night-driving policy, requiring drivers to park between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., though compliance remains an issue.
The reforms come amid growing federal concern over Nigeria’s recurring tanker disasters, driven by systemic issues like poor infrastructure, lax enforcement, and hazardous public practices such as fuel scooping. Akanni emphasized IPMAN’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with stakeholders to minimize accidents through stricter regulations, public education, and robust safety measures.
“This is a decisive step toward safer roads and a more secure Nigeria,” Akanni declared, urging drivers and the public to support these life-saving initiatives.
