A SWEEPING REFORM aimed at reducing fatal petrol tanker accidents has been announced by the Federal Government, setting strict limits on the volume of petroleum products trucks can carry on Nigerian roads. Effective from 1 March 2025, trucks exceeding 60,000 litres will be banned from loading at depots and travelling on federal highways.
Furthermore, by the fourth quarter of 2025, no truck carrying more than 45,000 litres of petroleum products will be allowed to load.
The Explainer gathered that the decision, announced by the Executive Director, Distribution System, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ogbugo Ukoha, follows a surge in deadly accidents linked to overloaded petroleum tankers. Official records indicate that petrol tanker crashes have claimed 493 lives in the past three years, raising serious concerns about road safety and infrastructure damage.
A wave of fuel tanker disasters has gripped the country, from fiery explosions on major highways to devastating urban accidents. Many of these tragedies have been attributed to excessive loading, which increases the likelihood of rollovers, brake failures, and catastrophic fuel spills.
The Explainer learned that the decision to impose these limits comes after months of deliberation with key industry stakeholders, including the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), and Directorate of State Services (DSS).
Ukoha, addressing journalists after the stakeholder meeting in Abuja, underscored the necessity of the new measures.
“Beginning from March 1, 2025, trucks with a capacity in excess of 60,000 litres will not be allowed to load in any petroleum depot,” he stated. “By the fourth quarter, we will also preclude the loading and transportation of petroleum products by any truck exceeding 45,000 litres. That is the breaking news for today.”
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The Explainer gathered that this phased implementation is intended to give truck owners and investors time to adjust, redesign their trucks, and restructure their financial commitments.
While the move has been widely acknowledged as a critical step towards saving lives, it has also sparked fierce opposition from transport stakeholders who argue that it could cripple investments and lead to massive financial losses.
The President of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Yusuf Othman, has warned that over 2,000 trucks could be rendered obsolete, with each truck representing an investment of over N150 million. The cumulative loss, he stressed, could exceed N300 billion.
Othman lamented that the ban would force many transport operators out of business, especially those who had invested heavily in large-capacity trucks.
“We understand the safety concerns, but a sudden shift like this threatens our entire business model. We need practical solutions that do not leave investors stranded,” he stated.
Despite the economic concerns, the Explainer gathered that the government remains resolute, citing overwhelming evidence that larger tankers are disproportionately involved in fatal crashes.
Ukoha explained, “Historically, we have seen truck capacities increase from 27,000 litres to 33,000, then to 45,000 litres. Records show that in 2020, stakeholders agreed that 45,000 litres should be the cap. The Ministry of Works has also raised concerns because the impact on road infrastructure is undeniable.”
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Findings indicate that overloaded trucks exert excessive pressure on Nigeria’s already deteriorating road network, leading to rapid wear and tear, costly maintenance, and frequent accidents. The Explainer gathered that several reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) confirm that overloaded trucks contribute significantly to road fatalities and infrastructure damage.
“Our study of recent fatalities suggests that trucks exceeding 60,000 litres have been a major factor,” Ukoha noted. “We understand the financial implications, which is why we are staggering the implementation. The goal is a win-win for all stakeholders.”
The prevalence of fuel tanker accidents in Nigeria has been a longstanding issue. In 2020 alone, the Federal Road Safety Corps reported over 1,500 accidents involving fuel tankers, resulting in at least 535 fatalities. Factors contributing to these incidents include overloading, poorly maintained vehicles, inadequate driver training, and deteriorating road conditions.
