Tanker accidents: 60,000 capacity tankers not responsible, warns against N300bn investment losses — NARTO
The National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has urged the Federal Government to reconsider its proposed ban on 60,000-litre capacity tankers, which it claims would result in a devastating loss of N300 billion in investments.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, NARTO President, Yusuf Othman contended that these large-capacity tankers are not to blame for the rising number of accidents involving fuel tankers, pointing instead to factors such as poor road conditions, vehicle maintenance, and driver competency. He warned that imposing such a ban would not only threaten the livelihoods of tanker owners but also fail to address the root causes of the accidents.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is considering the restriction as part of efforts to curb frequent accidents and fatalities involving petroleum tankers. The NMDPRA has proposed reducing the tanker capacity limit to 45,000 litres, in the hope that this would lead to fewer accidents, explosions, and fatalities.
In addition to the proposed capacity restriction, the regulator has implemented a number of other safety measures, including the installation of anti-spill safety valves on tankers, public awareness campaigns to prevent scooping at accident sites, and regular meetings with stakeholders.
However, Othman argued that the real causes of the accidents were not linked to the 60,000-litre tanker capacity itself, but rather to factors such as poor road conditions, the state of the vehicles, and the drivers’ capabilities.
He explained that there are currently around 2,000 trucks with a 60,000-litre capacity, each valued at N150 million, making up a total investment of N300 billion in the transportation of petroleum products nationwide.
Some of these investments, Othman added, are financed through commercial banks, while others are personal investments by tanker owners.
“Every truck owner is an investor, and every investment is made with the expectation of a return,” Othman stated. “It would not be fair for these investments to be discarded, and we are seeking a win-win solution.”
He acknowledged the tragic losses caused by recent accidents, which have resulted in loss of life, but stressed that the tanker capacity was not the root cause of the incidents. He cited the dangers of scooping at accident sites, which often leads to explosions.
Othman also urged the government to consider implementing a buy-back policy to compensate the investors if the 60,000-litre tankers are to be phased out entirely.
On the matter of safety regulations, Othman assured that NARTO ensures its members comply with safety protocols. This includes ensuring that only licensed drivers with good health and vision are allowed to operate the tankers, and that drivers undergo regular training. Furthermore, he highlighted that tanker trucks are inspected twice a year to ensure they are roadworthy.
Othman emphasised that the practice of scooping petroleum products at accident scenes is a major contributing factor to the loss of lives, and he called for increased public awareness to tackle this issue.
“If the tanker capacity is reduced to 45,000 litres, the truck cannot maintain balance. Reducing it to 50,000 litres could be acceptable, but 45,000 litres is too small,” he argued. “All the 60,000-litre trucks are new, and old trucks cannot carry this amount, as they are phased out due to economic considerations.”
He concluded by reaffirming NARTO’s support for the government’s efforts but urged the government to also support the private investments made by tanker owners. Othman added that discussions with the Federal Government are ongoing, and he hopes for an amicable resolution.
