Nigeria is facing an alarming increase in fire incidents involving petrol tankers, leading to tragic loss of life and property. These frequent occurrences have raised concerns over road safety, regulatory enforcement, and public awareness. The recent fire outbreak at the MRS filling station in Adamawa State adds to a long list of fuel-related disasters that have devastated communities across the country.
The Adamawa State Police Command recently launched an investigation into a fire outbreak at MRS Filling Station, Batchure Junction, along Numan Road. The fire, which broke out late at night, was swiftly contained by firefighters and security personnel, preventing casualties. According to the Adamawa State Police Commissioner, CP Dankombo Morris, the command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property while welcoming any useful information that may aid the investigation.
However, this incident is just one of many devastating fires resulting from petrol tanker accidents across Nigeria. In October 2024, a fuel tanker explosion in Jigawa State killed over 140 people when a tanker overturned and locals gathered to scoop fuel. A similar tragedy occurred in Niger State in January 2025, with 86 fatalities following an explosion from another overturned fuel truck. In November 2023, 25 lives were lost in Kwara State when a petrol tanker, reportedly driving against traffic, collided with another vehicle and exploded.
The frequent petrol tanker fires in Nigeria can be attributed to several factors, including poor road infrastructure, lack of strict safety regulations, reckless driving and human error, fuel scooping culture, and poor emergency response. Nigeria’s highways and rural roads are riddled with potholes, uneven surfaces, and poor drainage, making them highly dangerous for heavy-duty vehicles transporting hazardous materials like fuel. These roads often force tanker drivers to make sudden maneuvers, leading to accidents and spills.
Many fuel tanker operators and drivers fail to adhere to safety protocols. Some transport companies neglect proper maintenance of vehicles, and regulatory enforcement is weak. Overloaded tankers, expired vehicle parts, and reckless driving contribute significantly to these disasters. Some tanker drivers, in a bid to meet delivery deadlines, engage in dangerous driving practices such as speeding, driving under the influence, or taking the wrong side of the road, as seen in the Kwara State incident.
A recurring issue in Nigeria is the practice of people rushing to scoop fuel from overturned tankers, unaware of the extreme risks. This reckless behavior has contributed to the high casualty rates in many fire incidents. Despite the quick intervention in the Adamawa case, emergency response times are often slow due to inadequate resources, poor coordination, and a lack of functional firefighting equipment. In many rural areas, fire services are either absent or lack the necessary tools to handle large-scale explosions.
In response to these recurring tragedies, the Nigerian government has made several commitments, including stricter regulations, public awareness campaigns, investment in infrastructure, and improved emergency services. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has emphasized enforcing speed limits, proper vehicle checks, and safety compliance for fuel tankers. Efforts are being made to educate the public on the dangers of fuel scooping and how to respond in case of tanker accidents. Road rehabilitation projects are being initiated, but progress remains slow due to funding constraints and bureaucratic bottlenecks. Some state governments have begun investing in better firefighting equipment and training first responders to improve reaction times and disaster management.
To mitigate these frequent fire outbreaks, Nigeria must adopt a more proactive approach. The government must prioritize fixing dilapidated roads, ensuring smooth passage for heavy-duty vehicles. Authorities should ensure that all fuel transporters comply with standard safety regulations, including regular vehicle checks and driver training programs. The government should impose strict penalties and create awareness campaigns against fuel scooping to prevent unnecessary loss of lives. Investing in better-equipped fire stations across states will significantly reduce fire-related casualties. Oil marketers and transport companies should be mandated to invest in safer tanker designs, including fire-resistant materials and automatic shut-off systems to prevent leaks.
The incessant fire outbreaks from petrol tanker accidents in Nigeria highlight a critical need for a multifaceted approach involving the government, transport sector, and public awareness initiatives. The recent MRS filling station incident in Adamawa serves as a reminder that while timely interventions can prevent casualties, more must be done to tackle the root causes of these disasters. Without urgent action, Nigeria risks witnessing more avoidable tragedies, endangering lives, property, and the economy.
