The illegal practice of scooping fuel from fallen tankers has become a deadly national issue in Nigeria, with tragic incidents becoming alarmingly frequent in 2024. Despite repeated government warnings, the prospect of free fuel continues to lure many into life-threatening situations. This reckless behaviour, coupled with systemic failures, not only risks lives but also exposes the broader challenges of poverty, economic hardship, and a lack of safety infrastructure across the country.
This year alone has seen multiple fuel tanker explosions that have claimed dozens of lives. In July 2024, an incident in Ore, Ondo State, left 20 people dead after a crowd rushed to collect fuel from a tanker that had crashed along a major highway. Similarly, in August, similar explosion in Ijegun, Lagos, killed 12 people, many of whom were bystanders attempting to scoop fuel from the overturned vehicle, yesterday 16th October it was reported that between 94 to 140 people were killed in Jigsaw state and 40 still battling for their lives in hospitals, many of which were scooping fuel from a fallen tanker.
These incidents are part of a wider pattern of tanker accidents, particularly along Nigeria’s overburdened highways, which have witnessed an increase in fuel related disasters. Poorly maintained tankers, reckless driving, and the deteriorating state of many roads have all contributed to the rising number of accidents. These are particularly common along the Lagos Ibadan expressway and the Port Harcourt Enugu road, both critical fuel transport routes where tankers frequently overturn due to poor conditions and heavy traffic.
At the heart of the fuel scooping phenomenon is widespread economic desperation. Many Nigerians live below the poverty line, and with the rising cost of fuel particularly since the removal of fuel subsidies earlier this year any opportunity to obtain free petrol is seen as a rare windfall. However, this perception is dangerously misguided. Fuel is a highly volatile substance, and even a small spark from a mobile phone, match, or metal contact can trigger an explosion.
While individuals may be driven by the need to resell the fuel to make quick money, the consequences are often catastrophic. The desperation is compounded by weak enforcement of safety regulations and insufficient public awareness campaigns, despite efforts by government agencies to curb the practice.
Various Nigerian agencies have raised serious concerns about this growing crisis. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been vocal about the dangers of fuel scooping. Both agencies have warned that tampering with fuel tankers not only endangers lives but also constitutes a crime under Nigerian law, with severe penalties for offenders.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has also issued repeated warnings, stating that fuel scooping increases the risk of deadly explosions and environmental hazards. The NNPCL has called for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations for tankers and urged citizens to refrain from approaching accident scenes. Unfortunately, such warnings often fall on deaf ears, particularly in rural areas where economic hardship is most acute.
Senator Ibrahim Gobir, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources, has highlighted the urgent need for stronger legislation and stricter penalties to deter fuel scooping. In recent sessions, the National Assembly has discussed amending the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to address this issue directly, including harsher penalties for individuals caught stealing fuel from tankers.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been at the forefront of responding to tanker explosions across Nigeria. In 2024, NEMA recorded over 50 fuel tanker accidents, with several resulting in fires and fatalities. NEMA’s Director General, Mustapha Ahmed, recently lamented the rising number of such incidents, stating that they often overwhelm local emergency services, which are already stretched thin.
NEMA has also partnered with state governments to launch public awareness campaigns, urging people to stay away from tanker accident sites and educating communities about the dangers of fuel scooping. Despite these efforts, the agency continues to face challenges in reaching rural populations, where access to media and public information is limited.
The growing number of tanker accidents highlights a deeper issue within Nigeria’s transport and infrastructure systems. Many of the country’s highways, especially those linking major cities, are in dire need of repairs. Overloaded tankers, unregulated driving hours for truck drivers, and insufficient vehicle safety inspections contribute to frequent accidents. Furthermore, tanker operators often bypass safety regulations in a bid to cut costs, leading to increased incidents of mechanical failures and rollovers.
The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, responsible for maintaining the nation’s road network, has acknowledged the pressing need for upgrades, particularly in high-risk areas. However, progress has been slow, and the underfunding of road projects remains a critical challenge. Transport unions and tanker drivers have also been urged to comply with stricter safety guidelines, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
Addressing the dangers of fuel scooping requires a multi pronged approach. The Nigerian government must prioritise both prevention and enforcement to tackle the root causes of tanker accidents. This includes improving road infrastructure, enforcing stringent regulations for tanker operators, and increasing public awareness through more effective safety campaigns.
The Federal Road Safety Corps has already recommended a national policy on tanker safety, which would include mandatory vehicle inspections, installation of modern safety equipment such as automatic shut-off valves, and stricter penalties for drivers and companies that fail to comply with regulations.
In addition, local governments need to collaborate with community leaders to amplify the dangers of scooping fuel, particularly in high-risk areas. Public education, combined with rapid-response initiatives, could save lives and reduce the frequency of tragic accidents.
Ultimately, the responsibility to curb the dangerous practice of fuel scooping falls on everyone government, local authorities, and citizens alike. While the promise of free fuel may seem tempting in a country grappling with economic hardship, the price paid in lives lost is far too high.
As 2024 continues to see a rising number of tanker accidents and fuel-related deaths, it is imperative that stronger measures be put in place to protect the public and mitigate the risks. The dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers must no longer be ignored; they are a national crisis that demands urgent attention.
