President Bola Tinubu has established a high-powered committee to address the spate of tanker explosions that have claimed 265 lives across Nigeria since September 2024. The move follows the tragic death of 88 people in a tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Niger State, on Saturday night.

Expressing deep sorrow, the president instructed security agencies and road safety authorities to take immediate measures to prevent future occurrences. He also directed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to launch a public awareness campaign highlighting the dangers of scooping fuel from overturned tankers.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this while leading a federal delegation on a condolence visit to the Emir of Suleja, Alhaji Awwal Ibrahim. Idris outlined the alarming pattern of tanker explosions in recent months, citing incidents in Ibadan, Niger, and Jigawa States that claimed hundreds of lives.

“This administration is deeply concerned about the frequency of these tragedies. Over 265 lives have been lost since September, and the president has directed the formation of a committee to identify the root causes and prevent reoccurrence,” Idris said.

The committee will include representatives from the Ministries of Information and Humanitarian Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association (PTDA).

Idris reiterated the president’s directive to transfer critically injured victims from Suleja General Hospital to tertiary health facilities for advanced medical care.

During a separate statement, the president’s Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the incidents as preventable. He urged citizens to avoid approaching accident sites, especially those involving fuel-laden vehicles, due to the risk of explosions.

“Many victims lost their lives while attempting to scoop fuel. This is a dangerous practice, and the government will not tolerate it,” Onanuga stated.

Meanwhile, the Emir of Suleja expressed gratitude for the federal government’s swift response, while calling for increased public education to prevent similar tragedies. He appealed to residents to avoid risky behaviours and be content with their circumstances.

As of Sunday morning, the death toll from the Dikko Junction explosion had risen to 88, with 55 people injured. Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), revealed that 80 victims were buried in a mass grave, while others were claimed by their families.

Several homes, shops, and vehicles were destroyed in the inferno, resulting in financial losses running into millions of naira. Niger State Governor Umar Bago described the incident as “shocking and tragic” during an inspection of the site. He directed additional medical personnel to attend to victims and pledged measures to prevent future disasters.