The Need for Government-Mandated Truck Driver Training to Prevent Tanker Explosions in Nigeria
In recent months, Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing surge in tanker explosions, leading to devastating loss of life and destruction of property. A recent report by The Punch newspaper revealed that approximately 355 lives have been lost in the past five months alone due to these tragic incidents according to the Public health physicians in Nigeria. Just recently on January 18, 2025, a fuel tanker carrying roughly 60,000 liters of petrol exploded at the Dikko junction near Suleja, Niger State, killing 86 people and injured another 55, including at least 52 in critical conditions. As the frequency and severity of these explosions continue to rise, it is imperative that the Nigerian government take immediate and decisive action to curb this crisis and ensure the safety of all road users. One of the key issues at the heart of these frequent tanker explosions is the lack of proper training for truck drivers, particularly those driving hazardous goods vehicles like ta...