The National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has raised concerns over the Federal Government’s plan to ban 60,000-litre capacity fuel tankers, warning that the move could lead to a ₦300 billion loss for tanker owners.
NARTO’s president, Yusuf Othman, revealed in an interview that about 2,000 tankers, each worth ₦150 million, are currently in operation across the country. Many of these trucks are financed through bank loans and personal investments, making the proposed ban a serious financial threat.
Why the Ban?
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is considering banning 60,000-litre capacity petroleum tankers due to the increasing number of accidents, explosions, and deaths linked to them.
Instead, the regulator wants to restrict the maximum tanker size to 45,000 litres as part of new safety measures. Other measures include:
- Installing anti-spill safety valves in tankers
- Educating the public on the dangers of scooping fuel at accident scenes
- Holding regular meetings with stakeholders to enforce compliance
According to NMDPRA, many of these tragic accidents occur because of non-compliance with safety standards.
Tanker Owners Say Bad Roads, Not Big Trucks, Are the Problem
However, NARTO disagrees that 60,000-litre tankers are the cause of accidents. Instead, they blame:
- Bad road conditions
- Poor maintenance of vehicles
- Driver fatigue and lack of training
“We understand the need for safety, but banning our trucks isn’t the solution,” Othman stated.
He urged the government to fix roads, enforce strict vehicle checks, and improve driver training instead of rendering thousands of tanker owners and drivers jobless.
Finding a Win-Win Solution
NARTO acknowledges the recent fuel tanker accidents and loss of lives but insists that banning 60,000-litre tankers outright will do more harm than good.
“We are not happy with the accidents, and we pray they don’t happen again. But we must find a solution that works for everyone,” Othman said.
With billions of naira at stake and thousands of jobs on the line, tanker owners and the government must work together to improve safety without crippling the industry.
