The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has organised an awareness workshop for stakeholders on tanker
By Segun Giwa
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has organised an awareness workshop for stakeholders on tanker accidents and fire.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaidu Umah, on Tuesday in Akure said the agency engaged in sensitisations to prevent disasters and mitigate the effects of such disasters, if they eventually occurred.
Umar, represented by Dr Kofoworola Soleye, Head, NEMA Ado-Ekiti Operations Office, said the agency noted that tanker accidents and fire were fast becoming a major hazard on Nigerian roads.
“Frequent tanker related accidents due to traffic congestion, mechanical failures, and human error, which has killed many people and destroyed several properties worth millions of naira, have been recorded in the state.
“Lagos-Ore-Benin Road has been identified as one of the highways with heavy volume of tankers with records of accidents and subsequent fire explosion.
“Based on the foregoing, it has, therefore, become necessary to engage stakeholders on proactive measures, as well as, sensitise tanker drivers and residents of the state.
“This will reduce such occurrences on our major highways drastically.
“We are, therefore, gathered here today not just to share knowledge, but to ignite a collective commitment toward safety, preparedness, and life-saving actions.
“I wish to state that many of these tragedies can be prevented and that is precisely why we are here. Prevention starts with knowledge, and response starts with training,” she said.
Also, the State Sector Commander, FRSC, Mr Samuel Ibitoye, said the gathering was not just a meeting of agencies and stakeholders, but a united front against a growing national concern.
Ibitoye said that incidents of tanker crashes and fuel scooping by unsuspecting people had continued to result in avoidable fatalities, large-scale fire outbreaks, and environmental degradation.
“Your presence here today reinforces the fact that road safety is a collective responsibility, and no single agency or union can effectively tackle these incidents of road traffic crashes alone.
“Collaboration and synergy are essential if we are to prevent the tragic consequences that often follow tanker crashes and the unwholesome practice of fuel scooping,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that representatives of Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) were present at the event.
Also, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and all relevant stakeholders’ in the management of the nation’s security and emergency services were present. (NAN)
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