The Ebonyi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has called for a nationwide ban on the movement of inflammable products, such as Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), on roads during the daytime. The call follows a series of explosions involving tankers carrying such hazardous materials across the country.
Francis Nnadi, the Ebonyi State NSCDC Commandant, made the recommendation on Tuesday in Abakaliki, citing the increasing number of fatal accidents involving articulated vehicles transporting flammable substances. Nnadi stressed the urgent need for authorities to adopt a comprehensive approach to mitigate these risks.
He expressed deep concern about the significant loss of lives resulting from road crashes involving tankers, including recent incidents in Niger State and Ugwu-Onyeama, Enugu State. Nnadi emphasized the importance of addressing the issue through collaboration among security agencies to prevent further gas explosions.
“We must stop tankers carrying inflammable materials from operating during the day when roads are congested,” Nnadi said. “We recommend that filling station owners and gas suppliers schedule the transportation of their products during off-peak hours, particularly at night.”
The NSCDC Commandant further advocated for dialogue with tanker driver associations to enforce this shift in operation, stressing that such incidents do not occur at night when traffic is less dense. He also highlighted the need for driver education as part of a holistic approach to tackle the problem.
Nnadi’s comments underscore the growing concern over safety on Nigeria’s roads, particularly regarding the transportation of hazardous materials.
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