The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to urgently provide relief materials and medical support to victims of a tanker explosion in Niger State that claimed over 30 lives and injured dozens more.
The motion was moved during plenary by Hon. Saidu Abdullahi, representing Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency, and was adopted as a matter of urgent public importance.
The tragedy occurred on Tuesday in Essa village, Katcha Local Government Area, when residents reportedly gathered around a fuel-laden tanker to collect petrol. The explosion resulted in approximately 35 deaths, injuries to 40 others, and significant property damage.
Abdullahi described the site of the disaster as part of a major federal highway connecting Niger State to the Federal Capital Territory and other key regions. He noted that the route is vital for transporting petroleum products, agricultural goods, and other commodities.
He highlighted that this incident mirrors a previous tanker explosion on January 18, 2025, at Dikko junction near Suleja, which killed over 100 people who had gathered to scoop petrol.
The lawmaker criticized the persistent poor condition of the Bida–Agaie–Lapai–Lambata–Diko road, citing decades of incomplete rehabilitation despite multiple government contracts. He also noted that the recent cancellation of NNPC interventions under the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme has left ongoing projects uncertain.
“The continued neglect of this highway has caused frequent gridlocks, destruction of goods, loss of productive hours, and severe hardship for commuters, turning the road into a death trap for motorists, tanker drivers, and traders,” Abdullahi said.
The House directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief and medical assistance to victims and affected families. It also urged the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), and contractors to commence full rehabilitation, expansion, and completion of the highway.
In addition, the House mandated the Federal Road Safety Corps and other agencies to enforce safety standards for tanker and heavy-duty vehicle operations, ensuring compliance with roadworthiness, loading procedures, and emergency response protocols.
Finally, the House tasked its Committees on Works, FERMA, FRSC, and Finance to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the highway and its prior contracts, with a report due within two weeks to guide further legislative action.