If your tanker isn’t roadworthy, don’t even think about loading fuel Nigeria’s road safety agency just drew a hard line.
The Federal Road Safety Corps is stepping up enforcement nationwide, warning tanker operators: meet safety standards or stay off the loading bay.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed says any tanker that fails Safe-to-Load checks will be barred from carrying petroleum products — no exceptions.
From drivers to depot managers, inspectors to vehicle owners, everyone in the chain will now be held accountable when accidents happen. Tamper with speed limiters or safety systems? Expect prosecution.
“The era of impunity is over,” the Corps warned.
The move comes as tanker transport — responsible for over 95% of fuel distribution in Nigeria — remains a high-risk operation despite improved compliance rates.
Thanks to the Safe-to-Load programme, safety metrics have climbed sharply, with near-total compliance on driver licensing and equipment standards. Still, 268 tanker crashes were recorded in 2025, with recent explosions in places like Majia and Dikko Junction keeping authorities on edge.
To tighten the net, FRSC is ramping up inspections, deploying tech-driven monitoring, and retraining officers to enforce stricter compliance across depots and highways.
Industry players, including Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and TotalEnergies Nigeria Plc, are backing the push, calling for stronger collaboration to achieve zero tanker crashes.
Safety checks are no longer optional — it’s comply or park.
Leave a comment