Nigeria Bans 60,000-Litre Fuel Tankers, Effective March 1, 2025
Abuja, Nigeria – In a decisive move to enhance road safety and curb frequent accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a ban on 60,000-litre fuel tankers.
The new regulation is set to take effect on March 1, 2025.
The ban was announced following concerns over the increasing rate of road accidents caused by large petroleum tankers, which pose significant risks to lives, properties, and infrastructure across the country. Authorities argue that these high-capacity tankers contribute to road deterioration and increase the likelihood of catastrophic incidents, including explosions and fuel spills.
According to the Ministry of Transportation, this decision aligns with the government’s broader efforts to reform the oil distribution sector while improving safety standards on Nigerian roads. The new policy mandates petroleum marketers and transporters to transition to smaller-capacity tankers before the deadline.
Government’s Justification
The Minister of Transportation emphasized that the decision was reached after thorough consultations with stakeholders in the transport and petroleum sectors. He noted that studies have shown that reducing the size of tankers will help minimize accidents and reduce pressure on road infrastructure, which often suffers from the weight of oversized fuel carriers.
“The safety of Nigerians is paramount. We cannot continue to witness devastating accidents that cost lives and damage property. This move is necessary to safeguard our roads and ensure a more efficient fuel distribution system,” the minister stated.
Reactions from Stakeholders
The decision has sparked mixed reactions among industry players. While some safety advocates and transportation experts have applauded the move, arguing that it will significantly reduce road mishaps, some petroleum marketers and truck operators have expressed concerns over potential disruptions in fuel supply.
A representative of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) stated, “We understand the safety concerns, but we urge the government to provide alternatives and a smooth transition plan to prevent fuel shortages.”
Implementation Strategy
To ensure a seamless transition, the government has promised to work with key stakeholders to establish alternative means of fuel transportation, including pipeline development and railway-based fuel distribution.
Authorities have also assured transporters that necessary policies will be put in place to cushion the economic effects of the ban and ensure compliance among industry players.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on how the government enforces this policy and whether it will indeed bring the anticipated improvements in road safety and fuel distribution efficiency.
