Nigeria has been in the global news in recent times due to the sad incident of a fuel tanker explosion in Jigawa state which claimed over 150 lives, it made it to the news globally, because of the number of deaths involved. The news made headlines on Al Jazeera, CNN, BBC, France 24 and Voice of America to mention a few. It is sad that Nigeria still grapples with fuel tanker explosions in 2024. Isn’t it time we explore other safe and efficient means of transporting such a flammable product?
Transporting petrol from refineries to filling stations is a crucial component of the petroleum supply chain. Ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness is crucial for maintaining a steady fuel supply to consumers. According to BBC news: “Fuel tanker explosions and accidents are common in Nigeria – often caused by the poor state of roads and badly maintained vehicles.”
It is not surprising that this position is held about Nigeria. News of tanker explosions, truck collisions and other unfortunate incidents permeates the social media space. It is even worthy to note that as the clear-up operation was under way in Jigawa, there was another fuel tanker accident in south-western Ogun state in the town of Ibafo.
While police officials continue to investigate the cause of the explosion, it is important for us to consider other safe methods of transporting Petrol.
This same year in September, 59 people died in Niger state after a fuel tanker collided with a lorry carrying passengers and cattle.
Accidents involving tankers are frequent in the country, with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) recording 1,531 in 2020, causing 535 deaths. The FRSC has also disclosed that more than 5,000 people died in road accidents in Nigeria in 2023, compared to nearly 6,500 the previous year. However, according to the World Health Organization, the figures do not include accidents that are not reported to the authorities. This brings their estimate of annual road accident deaths in Nigeria to be closer to 40,000, as said in a 2023 published report.
Below are some efficient methods of transporting petroleum as adopted by countries such as U.S, and United Kingdom:
1. Pipelines: Pipelines are the most common and efficient method for transporting petrol over long distances due to their cost effectiveness. Once constructed, pipelines have relatively low operating costs compared to other transport methods. Modern pipeline systems are now equipped with monitoring technologies that minimize leaks and accidents thus ensuring safety. This method can also transport large volumes of fuel continuously. It is a reliable method.
2. Tanker Trucks: For shorter distances or last-mile delivery, tanker trucks are a viable option. Key benefits include Flexibility as trucks can access locations that are not serviced by pipelines, making them ideal for filling stations in remote areas. Also, road transport can be faster for short distances and allows for timely deliveries to meet demand fluctuations.
3. Rail Transport: Rail transport is an effective alternative, especially in regions with established rail networks. The advantages include high volume as trains can carry large quantities of fuel, reducing the number of trips needed. The Environmental Impact of rail transport is more as this method generally has a lower carbon footprint per ton-mile compared to trucking.
While the Nigerian safety investigation Bureau conducts an investigation into the cause of the deadly incident, it is important that the background of the incident is analysed and addressed. The driver of the fuel tanker was transporting 45,000 liters of gasoline on an unlit road in northern Nigeria on Tuesday night when a van carrying tomatoes veered into his lane. The driver lost control of his vehicle as he tried to avoid the van which led to the tanker capsizing according to reports.
While the driver, Yusuf Mohammad, emerged from the truck uninjured, as did the driver of the van, hundreds of residents swarmed around the overturned tanker within minutes to scoop up the spilled petrol. Some were even making videos of the incident.
Petrol has become an increasingly expensive and scarce commodity in Nigeria. with the removal of fuel subsidies and floating of the naira, the prices of food and living for the common man has increased. In addition to insecurity in the north which has prevented farmers from visiting their farms and a flood incident which destroyed a lot of crops and livelihood, the people of Jigawa were willing to risk their lives to get an expensive but flammable product.
It is important to put safety considerations in fuel transportation. Measures need to be implemented to mitigate risks in such areas. Leak Detection Systems and continuous monitoring systems are essential in fuel transportation to quickly detect and address leaks.
Regulatory Compliance and adhering to local and international regulations ensures that safety standards are met, while Training and Protocols for personnel handling the fuel and clear emergency response protocols are vital.
Finally, since road transportation is the most common method of transporting petrol in Nigeria, it is important that the vehicles are properly managed and checked, the roads needs to be well lit and safe and if possible, emergency response need to be fast in areas where such unfortunate incidents occur.
The recurrence of fuel tanker explosion and overturn in Nigeria is an occurrence that has unfortunately become a norm in the country. It is almost as if we as a people do not learn from past occurrences. It is time to explore better means of transporting petroleum to various cities in Nigeria to protect the people, reduce cost and ensure manageability.
The transport of petrol from refineries to filling stations is a complex but manageable task when employing the right methods and strategies. By leveraging pipelines for long distances, tanker trucks for flexibility, rail for bulk movements, and ships for overseas transport, the industry can ensure efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly delivery of fuel. We need to explore other methods while improving the one means of transportation we know: Road.
We must learn to value the life of Nigerians by holding all parties involved accountable and ensure that the government implements all needed strategies to ensure the safety of Nigerians, it is the responsibility of government and the responsibility of the people to hold the government accountable else it remains a recurrent event.
“We must learn to value the life of Nigerians by holding all parties involved accountable…” I like the sound of it. It begins with burying the sentiment of ethnic and religious politicing in our God-given country called Nigeria.
Weldon, Penman