The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said that over 411 Nigerians lost their lives in 2024 while attempting to scoop fuel from fallen tankers.
The Benue State Sector Commander, Steve Ayodele, disclosed this on Tuesday during a town hall meeting with trailer and tanker drivers in Makurdi, aimed at preventing road crashes.
According to Ayodele, the figure represents 7.6 percent of total road traffic fatalities recorded nationwide in 2024. He warned that such incidents were not just tragic but avoidable.
“Fuel scooping has become one of the deadliest practices on Nigerian roads. Instead of recognising spilt fuel as a danger, many rush to collect it. Sadly, this reckless act has cost hundreds of lives and destroyed property,” he said.
The FRSC boss stressed that tanker explosions not only cause severe burns but also wipe out shops, vehicles, and other infrastructure, leaving victims’ families in deeper economic hardship.
He identified reckless driving, disobedience to traffic rules, roadside trading near accident-prone areas, and unsafe conduct at crash sites as major factors worsening the tragedies.
Ayodele further noted that unregulated driving hours, overloading of tankers, and poor safety checks remained major contributors to accidents.
Also speaking at the event, Babalola Sheba, Head of Operations at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), condemned the environmental and health risks of fuel scooping.
He explained that fuel spills contaminate soil, water, and air, while prolonged exposure to fumes can trigger respiratory problems and skin irritation.
Sheba added that the agency had introduced new safety measures, including compulsory anti-spill valves and speed limiters on fuel tankers, as well as a colour-coding system to differentiate petroleum products.
In his remarks, Emmanuel Ogbanje, State Coordinator of the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Service, stressed the need for regular vehicle checks, strict adherence to axle load regulations, and compliance with traffic laws.
“Safety is not a one-time goal but a continuous process,” Ogbanje said, urging drivers to always carry valid licences, avoid overloading, and report unsafe practices.
He also called for stronger public awareness and collaboration among stakeholders to curb fuel scooping and promote road safety across Nigeria.