JIGAWA (Sundiata Post) – The recent tanker explosion at Majiya town in Taura Local Government Area, which has now claimed over 174 lives, has been described as a national tragedy by various leaders and dignitaries who visited the state to offer condolences.
Among them were Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Umar Ganduje, and the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, who also joined the delegation, called the explosion a wake-up call for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in the transportation of petroleum products.
“This tragic incident touches anyone with the spirit of humanity,” Lokpobiri said. “The loss of over 170 young men in a single incident is a national disaster that demands urgent action. All hands must be on deck to find a lasting solution to tanker explosions in Nigeria.”
During the visit, Lokpobiri assessed the scene of the explosion and met with grieving families to express his condolences. He pledged to work with state and federal authorities to develop stricter safety measures for the transportation of flammable materials.
The APC National Chairman, Dr. Umar Ganduje, visited survivors at Rashida Shekoni Teaching Hospital in Dutse, where he commended the state government for its swift response to the tragedy.
“I am deeply moved by the resilience shown by the victims and their families,” Ganduje stated.
“I pray for the departed souls and for the quick recovery of those injured. We must take all necessary steps to prevent such a disaster from occurring again.”
Business magnate Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who expressed shock over the tragic incident, also offered prayers for the deceased and the injured.
“This is a moment of grief for us all,” Dangote said. “I extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support from across the country.
“We thank all those who have visited or sent messages of condolence during this difficult time,” Namadi said. “The support shown has been a great source of comfort for the people of Jigawa.”
The governor revealed that the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) had already submitted a proposal to enhance safety measures in petroleum transportation.
“Their roadmap includes the redesigning of fuel tanks and other preventive measures,” Namadi disclosed.
“I urge the minister to engage NARTO in the consultation process for formulating new, effective safety measures for transporting flammable products nationwide.”
The tanker explosion has raised concerns about the frequent occurrence of similar incidents in Nigeria, prompting renewed calls for comprehensive safety reforms in the petroleum industry.
FG orders probe
Reacting to the tanker explosion accident in a statement through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Federal Government directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to investigate the tanker explosion that claimed the lives of over 100 people in Jigawa State.
In the directive by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Nneamaka Okafor on Wednesday, the minister also expressed regret over the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.
The statement read: “The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic petrol tanker explosion in Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area, Jigawa State, which resulted in the loss of over 100 lives and left dozens more injured.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Federal Government, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this devastating incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured, and we wish them a swift and full recovery.
“The Minister has instructed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to promptly commence a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.”
The Minister also urged Nigerians to avoid approaching vehicles transporting petroleum products that have been involved in accidents or mechanical failures.
He called on petroleum transporters to ensure that only certified drivers who comply with safety standards, as stipulated by the Federal Road Safety Corps, are employed to transport petroleum products.
Tinubu mourns
President Bola Tinubu has called for a comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across Nigeria following the tanker explosion in Jigawa State with over 100 lives lost.
In a statement on Wednesday, Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Tinubu, sympathised with the families who lost loved ones in the tragic incident and prayed that God grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
The statement signed by presidential aide Stanley Nkwocha also announced immediate federal government intervention for the victims of the tragedy.
In a condolence message on Wednesday, Shettima said, “My heart aches for those who have had their families torn apart by this disaster.”
“This devastating incident has shaken us all to our core. The Federal Government stands with the people of Jigawa. We are mobilising all necessary resources to support the injured and assist the families affected by this calamity,” he said.
The Vice President also directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) personnel and resources to Jigawa State.
“As we contend with this tragedy, let us also reflect on the importance of safety measures and public awareness to prevent such incidents in the future,” Shettima emphasised.
“Every life is precious, and we must do all we can to protect our citizens.”
The Vice President also commended first responders and medical personnel for their tireless efforts, stating their dedication “exemplifies the best of our nation’s spirit.”
He tasked the council to set National Road Safety Strategy targets and ensure effective coordination between federal, state, and local governments to achieve shared road safety objectives.
Vice President Shettima emphasised the critical nature of road safety, stating, “Road safety is not merely a matter of policy but a critical part of the lifeline that connects the people of this nation.”
