Nigeria is in mourning after a tragic incident where at least 147 people were killed in an oil tanker fire while scooping fuel from it. The country, Africa’s largest oil producer, ironically has some of the most expensive fuel prices on the continent. This is not the first time such a tragedy has occurred in Nigeria, where incidents of oil tankers spilling fuel and exploding are unfortunately common due to inadequate infrastructure for fuel transportation.
In a recent incident in Jigawa State, the tanker spilled fuel after veering off the road, causing a deadly explosion as people rushed to collect the fuel. This has highlighted the dangers faced by residents, particularly the poor who struggle to afford fuel at pump stations. The government is now being urged to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of fuel transportation, including certifying tanker drivers and improving road safety standards. Vice-President Kassim Shettima has promised a comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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