The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has instructed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to initiate a thorough investigation into the recent petrol tanker explosion in Majiya, Taura Local Government Area, Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives and left many injured.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Nneamaka Okafor, Lokpobiri expressed profound sorrow for the loss of lives and extended condolences to the victims' families. He urged Nigerians to avoid approaching vehicles transporting petroleum products involved in accidents, emphasizing the severe risks associated with collecting spilled fuel.
The Minister also called on petroleum transporters to ensure that only certified drivers, compliant with Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) safety standards, are employed for transporting petroleum products. He reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to enhancing safety measures in petroleum distribution and transport to prevent future tragedies.