Niger Tanker Tragedy: Petroleum Minister Lokpobiri Directs Investigation Into Explosion which Claimed Over 50 Lives

Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), has instructed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to conduct an investigation into the tanker explosion incident in Dikko, Niger State.

The minister said he expressed his deep condolences to the government and people of Niger State following the devastating explosion of a petrol-laden tanker at Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.

The minister described the tragic incident, which claimed no fewer than 50 and left several others injured, as a heart-wrenching disaster.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Nneamaka Okafor, his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Lokpobiri emphasised the importance of enhancing safety protocols to reduce the occurrence of such incidents.

He urged the public to exercise extreme caution when encountering petrol-laden tankers in emergencies.

The minister said, "While we continue to implement safety measures across the petroleum supply chain, I strongly urge citizens to avoid approaching petrol-laden tankers in the event of an accident. The risks are immense, and every life is invaluable.”

Lokpobiri confirmed that he had instructed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to initiate an investigation into the incident.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of petroleum transportation across the nation and emphasized the need for sustained collaboration among all relevant stakeholders to prevent similar tragedies.

He said, "This incident underscores the vital role of collective responsibility. We must all, as government, transport operators, and citizens, prioritise safety in all aspects of petroleum distribution."

The minister assured the people of Niger State that his Ministry would offer full support during this challenging time and reiterated his steadfast commitment to promoting safety and well-being in all petroleum-related operations.