PETROAN to Tinubu: Consider measures to mitigate impact of 60,000-litres fuel tankers ban

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has asked President Bola Tinubu to consider measures to mitigate the impact of the recent ban on 60,000-litre fuel tankers from operating on Nigerian roads.

On February 19, The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) said from March 1, no truck exceeding an axle load of 60,000 litres of hydrocarbon would be allowed to load at any depot.

Ogbugo Ukoha, NMDPRA executive director of distribution systems, storage, and retailing infrastructure, said the decision was made in response to the increasing number of road accidents involving heavy-duty petroleum tankers.

Speaking on the ban in a statement on Sunday, Billy Gillis-Harry, president of PETROAN, praised President Bola Tinubu for his decisive action in prioritising Nigerian lives by implementing the ban.

Gillis-Harry, however, emphasised the need for mechanisms to support those who will be adversely affected by the policy.

‘This move demonstrates his (president’s) commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians,” the statement reads.

“The stakeholders’ roundtable that reached the consensus decision was championed by NMDPRA, bringing together key players in the industry, including the Nigerian Association of Road, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Major energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, and Directorate of State Services, Nigeria police, Nigeria security services, fire service, among others.

“According to reports, large petroleum trucks have been involved in numerous accidents in the past three years, resulting in the loss of over 493 lives and countless injuries. These accidents were largely caused by the poor state of Nigerian roads.

“While the ban aims to reduce accidents, it may lead to significant job losses and financial losses for truck owners. 

“Notably, members of NARTO, DAPMAN, PTD, NUPENG, MEMAN, and PETROAN collectively own thousands of trucks affected by the ban. 

“These trucks support over 100,000 employees, including: Truck drivers, Conductors, Mechanics, Haulage personnel, Truck supervisors and many others who rely directly or indirectly on these trucks for their livelihood.”

Gillis-Harry called on Tinubu to intervene and mitigate the impact of the ban on affected stakeholders “particularly on small-scale businesses and truck owners who will be severely affected”.

The PETROAN president also urged all stakeholders to comply with the ban accordingly.