The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to ban trucks carrying over 60,000 litres of hydrocarbons, aimed at reducing tanker accidents and explosions.
Effective from March 1, 2025, the ban will prevent trucks carrying more than 60,000 litres from loading at depots, with a further restriction in place starting Q4 2025, limiting trucks to 45,000 litres or less.
The decision, made at a stakeholders’ roundtable convened by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), received backing from major industry players, including the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Fire Service, among others.
Reports indicate that large petroleum trucks have been involved in numerous accidents over the past three years, resulting in over 493 deaths and significant injuries, often due to the poor condition of Nigerian roads.
PETROAN also commended the NMDPRA, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, NARTO, the Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPMAN), the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and the Passenger Transport Drivers’ Authorisation for their efforts in enhancing safety in the energy sector.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Joseph Obele, PETROAN acknowledged that “President Tinubu’s commitment to prioritizing the safety of Nigerian lives is what prompted this decision, highlighting his dedication to the well-being of citizens.”
However, the association expressed concerns about the economic impact of the ban, warning that it could lead to substantial job losses and financial setbacks for truck owners.
“Members of NARTO, DAPMAN, PTD, NUPENG, MEMAN, and PETROAN collectively own thousands of trucks that will be affected by this policy. These vehicles provide jobs to over 100,000 individuals, including truck drivers, conductors, mechanics, haulage staff, truck supervisors, and others who depend on them for their livelihood,” the statement emphasized.
To alleviate the potential negative effects, PETROAN’s National President, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, has urged President Tinubu to introduce measures to mitigate the impact on small-scale businesses and truck owners.
He also called on all stakeholders to adhere to the new regulations while requesting government support to address the possible economic consequences of the ban.
