The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has expressed deep concern over the recurring accidents involving petroleum trucks in transit, vowing to step up regulatory enforcement to ensure safe, efficient, and uninterrupted fuel distribution nationwide.
Speaking during a Stakeholders Engagement and Alignment Meeting in Delta State on Thursday, Victor Ohwodiasa, NMDPRA’s State Coordinator, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving safety and operational standards across the petroleum distribution chain.
The meeting, held under the auspices of the Warri Zonal Office, brought together key players from the oil and gas sector, transport unions, security agencies, and regulatory bodies to discuss pressing issues including the Safe-To-Load Initiative, documentation requirements for fuel tankers, and the colour coding and branding of petroleum trucks.
“The Federal Government is very concerned about truck-in-transit accidents and the delays in product delivery, which result in increased operational costs,” Ohwodiasa said.
He stressed that the government is actively working to scale down the maximum loading capacity of petroleum trucks from the current 60,000 litres to 45,000 litres, as part of efforts to reduce road accidents and enhance road safety.
“There is no cause for alarm,” he reassured. “The government is doing everything possible to ensure sustained product supply and seamless distribution.”
Enforcement of Colour Coding, Branding, and Safety Protocols
Ohwodiasa announced that the colour coding and branding of petroleum trucks would now be strictly enforced to improve product identification and prevent misrouting or mishandling.
- Premium Motor Spirit (PMS): Light Blue (75 cm stripe height)
- Automotive Gas Oil (AGO): Deep Yellow and Light Blue (75 cm)
- Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK): Deep Yellow (75 cm)
He added that the meeting was designed to ensure critical stakeholders including the military, paramilitary forces, and oil marketers were on the same page regarding safety documentation, emergency procedures, and compliance with industry regulations.
“This engagement is to align our operations and improve coordination,” he said. “We’re educating stakeholders on what to check for in documentation and truck identification.”
Section 48 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in Focus
Ohwodiasa reminded participants of the importance of Section 48 of the Petroleum Industry Act, which mandates inter-agency consultation before any government action that could impact NMDPRA operations.
“The purpose is to ensure seamless product movement and avoid duplication or interference in regulatory functions,” he explained.
Emergency Response and Public Awareness
The NMDPRA also used the meeting to publicize the federal emergency response numbers: 112 and 122, which Ohwodiasa confirmed were toll-free and functional, with live testing conducted during the meeting.
“We urge all Nigerians to make use of these numbers to report petroleum-related accidents or emergencies promptly.”
Stakeholders Commend NMDPRA’s Efforts
The session saw participation from senior representatives of the Nigerian Navy, Army, DSS, NSCDC, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Joint Task Force, alongside depot operators and industry associations.
Chairman of the Delta chapter of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) Duke Obaro, commended the initiative.
“We welcome this engagement. It’s long overdue. Continuous dialogue is key to solving these challenges,” Obaro said.
Others in attendance included Harry Okenini, Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN); Innocent Ejiyere, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG); and several petroleum outlet operators.
Ohwodiasa concluded by stating that the meeting was part of ongoing directives from NMDPRA Chief Executive Ahmed Farouk to sustain stakeholder sensitization efforts nationwide.
