Starting October 1, fuel tankers in Nigeria will no longer load more than 45,000 litres of petrol, according to new safety measures agreed by downstream oil stakeholders.
The Western Zone of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) announced the decision following a joint meeting with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and other industry leaders.
Stakeholders Target Overloading and Infrastructure Damage
Chief Oyewole Akanni, IPMAN Western Zone chairman, said the decision aims to reduce road accidents involving petroleum tankers. He noted that some trucks previously carried up to 90,000 litres—twice or three times their intended capacity.
“These heavy loads damage roads and destabilize trucks. When overloaded, the risk of falling and crashing increases,” Akanni explained.
To enhance safety, the government also mandated tankers to install spill-proof safety covers. These caps are designed to prevent fuel leaks when tankers overturn, unless the tank is punctured.
Fuel Theft and Nighttime Driving Still a Problem
Akanni raised concern about vandals who pierce fallen tankers to steal fuel—actions that often lead to explosions or environmental harm.
He also highlighted fatigue-related crashes during night journeys. To address this, IPMAN has instructed drivers to stop moving by 7:00 p.m. and resume at 7:00 a.m. the next day.
“Most accidents happen at night when drivers are tired,” he said. “We’ve told them to rest, but not everyone complies.”
Broader Industry Reforms Underway
The new loading limit is part of wider efforts to improve tanker safety nationwide. Frequent accidents have sparked calls for tougher enforcement, improved roads, and increased public awareness of the risks associated with unsafe practices, such as fuel scooping.
Akanni said IPMAN will continue working with regulators to enforce the new rules and protect lives. He called for education campaigns, stricter monitoring, and stronger penalties to tackle the root causes of tanker-related disasters.
“Systemic issues like poor infrastructure, weak enforcement, and public recklessness contribute to these accidents,” he said. “We must all act to reverse the trend.”