FPAN Calls for Urgent Collaboration to Prevent Tanker Fire Disasters
The Fire Protection Association of Nigeria (FPAN) has called on the government and private sector to implement strategic programs aimed at reducing the frequent petrol tanker fire accidents across the country.
This appeal was made during a press conference held at the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services (LSFRS) conference room in Ikeja, Lagos.
According to FPAN, these accidents have caused significant disruptions to economic and social life, leading to fatalities, injuries, and extensive property damage. The association emphasized the need to address mechanical and civil engineering defects in petroleum tankers, as well as training gaps in critical areas of the supply chain.
The Chairman of FPAN’s Board of Fellows, Engr. Peter Onyeri, who represented the association’s president, Alhaji Shehu Dambatta, stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of petroleum tankers.
“We are making recommendation that in many of the areas where there is long stretch that records high frequencies of petroleum tanker accidents on the road, like coming into Onitsha from Enugu, efforts should be made to curb this.”
He further emphasized the need for a structured partnership between FPAN and the government to tackle the root causes of tanker accidents.
“The Association is saying that there must be a strategic collaborative action between FPAN and government, to address the cause of these accidents. Petroleum products are special things that must not be left in the care of just anyone.
We need government to give us backing to work with relevant stakeholders,” he stated.
Representing the LSFRS Director, Mr. Amodu Shakiru assured that the Lagos State Government remains committed to preventing such disasters.
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“As far as Lagos State Government is concerned, we are doing all that is within our reach to ensure important measures are put in place to tackle this menace.
“We are also engaging various stakeholders such as FPAN, the oil and gas industry, and others to ensure this challenge is a thing of the past,” he noted.
FPAN’s call for urgent intervention highlights the growing concerns over tanker accidents, underscoring the need for immediate action to prevent further loss of lives and property.
