Olusegun Haastrup
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, has launched a safety campaign for tanker owners and drivers, focusing on safe transportation of petroleum products.
The event, held at the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos, aims to curb recent tanker accidents.
In a remark, the Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, Engineer Ahmed farouk , said the loss of lives and property due to recklessness of some tankers has made regular stakeholders engagement a necessity.
The Chief Executive who was represented by NMDPRA,
Director of Health, Safety, Environment, and Community, Dr. Mustapha Lamorde, strict compliance to forty-five thousand litres maximum capacity of petroleum products, to be conveyed will begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority boss advised the drivers to be safety minded, ensure regular vehicle inspection, reduce speed, and be conversant with emergency response protocols.
Contributing, representative of the Federal Road Safety Corp, Assistant Corps Commander, ACM operations , Hygenius Omeje, in a remark cautioned the drivers against struggling for right of way, noted that safe arrival at destination should be priority.
Assistant Corp Marshal Omeje who called on owners of Tankers to ensure the vehicles have speed limit devices, called on Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union to support FRSC in the safe driving campaign at gatherings of its members.
In a remark, National Vice Chairman Lagos Zone, Petroleum Tankers Drivers Association , Mr. Olabisi Dauda, who reminded the drivers that night driving has been banned, urged the drivers to respect guidelines and agencies enforcing them.
The Drivers were advised to utilise the Health insurance scheme for petroleum products transporters.
Representatives from Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, The Police, as well as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps also gave tips on safe transportation of petrol.
The event also witnessed safety demonstrations, including the use of fire extinguishers, coordinated by officers of the Federal Fire Service.