The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has commenced the enforcement of the federal government’s ban on petroleum tankers exceeding 45,000 litres. Effective today, 1st March 2025, all tankers with capacities above 45,000 litres will no longer be permitted to load petroleum products at any depot nationwide.
The enforcement follows a directive from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which cited safety concerns as the primary reason for the ban. According to the agency, oversized tankers have been responsible for numerous accidents, often resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, and prolonged disruptions on major highways.
Clampdown on Oversized Tankers Begins
At major loading depots across the country, PTD members have begun turning away tankers that do not comply with the new regulation. Tanker drivers at Apapa, Ibafo, Warri, and Port Harcourt depots confirmed that security personnel and union representatives are strictly enforcing the directive.
Speaking on the development, a senior official of the PTD, who preferred anonymity, said, “This enforcement is long overdue. We have lost too many comrades, innocent road users, and even livelihoods due to these overloaded tankers overturning or failing to brake properly. This measure is in the best interest of everyone.”
Why the 60,000-Litre Ban?
Before now, some petroleum marketers and transporters resorted to using tankers with capacities of 60,000 litres and above to cut costs by reducing the number of trips required for transportation. However, experts have warned that Nigeria’s road infrastructure is not built to withstand such heavy loads, contributing to rapid road deterioration and increasing the risk of crashes.
Data from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) indicate that over 70% of tanker accidents recorded in 2024 involved overloaded trucks. A safety analyst, Engineer Yusuf Adebayo, explained that, “Once a tanker exceeds its safe weight limit, its braking system becomes compromised, leading to deadly accidents, especially on highways.”
Depot Operators, Marketers React
Depot operators and petroleum marketers have expressed mixed reactions to the new directive. While some support the safety measures, others argue that the policy could disrupt supply chains and lead to increased transportation costs.
A retail outlet owner at NIPCO depot in Lagos, who spoke under anonymity, said, “We understand the safety concerns, but this could impact fuel availability, especially in the north. The government should have engaged more stakeholders before implementing this outright ban.”
However, a marketer in Warri supported the move, stating, “Safety should come first. If smaller-capacity tankers mean fewer accidents, then it’s a small price to pay.”
Total Compliance Required
The PTD leadership has urged all its members to comply with the directive, warning that non-compliant tanker owners risk sanctions. In a message issued by a zonal chairman, the union reaffirmed its commitment to the decision, stating, “Workers united can never be defeated. Solidarity forever!”
With enforcement now in full effect, all eyes will be on how the ban impacts petroleum distribution and road safety in the coming weeks.
