NUPENG Mourns Niger Tanker Explosion Victims, Calls for Urgent Road Rehabilitation

Minna, Niger State — The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has expressed profound grief over the tragic tanker explosion that occurred on Tuesday along the Bida–Agaie Road in Niger State, claiming at least 35 lives and injuring 17 others.

The union described the incident as a national tragedy and a sobering reminder of the urgent need for massive rehabilitation of Nigeria’s deteriorating road infrastructure, especially those used by heavy-duty petroleum tankers and freight vehicles.

In a statement jointly signed by NUPENG’s National President, Comrade Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale, the union extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State, particularly the residents of Essan and Badeggi communities in Katcha Local Government Area, where the incident occurred.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, and to the people of Essan and Badeggi communities. The significant loss of life, the injuries sustained, and the destruction of property in this incident have left our Union leadership and members in a state of deep mourning,” the statement read.

According to eyewitness reports, the fatal incident occurred when a tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, lost control and overturned while navigating a bad section of the road. The tanker reportedly fell on its side, spilling fuel across the roadside. Residents and passersby who rushed to the scene to scoop the leaking product were caught in a sudden explosion that engulfed the vehicle, nearby structures, and several people in flames.

Emergency responders later confirmed dozens of fatalities, while several others sustained severe burns and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Many vehicles and motorcycles parked close to the scene were also destroyed in the fire.

NUPENG, in its statement, said the tragedy once again highlights the critical dangers posed by Nigeria’s poor road network and the lack of safety awareness among citizens. The union lamented that despite repeated warnings and joint safety campaigns with relevant agencies, many Nigerians still expose themselves to grave risks by approaching accident scenes involving flammable materials.

“It is both heartbreaking and disheartening that such fatal events continue to occur, despite our continuous collaboration with road safety agencies and other stakeholders to educate the public about the dangers of interfering with accident scenes involving petroleum products,” NUPENG said.

The union called on the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), and state governments to take urgent steps to repair and maintain key highways across the country, especially those that serve as major petroleum distribution corridors. It warned that if left unattended, the deplorable state of many roads would continue to endanger the lives of tanker drivers, commuters, and local residents.

“The time for palliative measures is over. We need a national emergency response on road infrastructure. The Bida–Agaie tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for authorities to prioritise the rehabilitation of all critical roads used for petroleum transportation,” the statement added.

Beyond infrastructure, NUPENG emphasized the importance of enforcing road safety standards for tanker operations and enhancing driver training programs to prevent avoidable mishaps. The union noted that many accidents could be prevented through stricter compliance with safety regulations and improved monitoring of vehicle conditions.

The labour body also reiterated its commitment to working with relevant government agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to strengthen preventive mechanisms and public safety awareness campaigns.

“We remain committed to promoting safety consciousness within our industry and beyond. NUPENG will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure that every petroleum product is transported under the safest possible conditions,” the statement said.

The union further urged community leaders, traditional rulers, and youth organizations to take an active role in sensitizing residents on the dangers of scooping fuel from accident scenes, noting that such behaviour has repeatedly turned minor accidents into catastrophic disasters.

“Our people must understand that scooping fuel from accident sites is not an opportunity but a deadly gamble. It is our collective responsibility to educate and protect one another,” the union warned.

Concluding its message, NUPENG reaffirmed its solidarity with the victims’ families and the entire Niger State community, pledging to support all ongoing recovery and safety initiatives.

“NUPENG remains steadfast in its pursuit of a safer transportation ecosystem and calls upon all Nigerians to prioritize safety and vigilance. A concerted national effort is essential to end these preventable tragedies,” the statement concluded.

In its final words of unity, the union reiterated its famous slogan:

“Our solidarity remains constant, for the Union makes us strong.”