FRSC Calls for Stricter Enforcement of Truck Safety Laws Following Fatal Tanker Explosion

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged state governments and relevant authorities to intensify the enforcement of traffic safety laws, particularly those related to truck standards and driver conduct.

FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, expressed concern over the poor condition of trucks on Nigerian roads. He identified excessive speeding, inadequate maintenance, and disregard for traffic regulations as key factors contributing to road accidents.

His remarks followed a recent tanker explosion on the Nyanya-Mararaba Expressway, which was caused by brake failure in a Dangote Cement truck. “The truck’s brakes failed, causing it to collide with vehicles in a gridlock, sparking a fatal inferno,” Ogungbemide explained.

Although no federal policy restricts the movement of articulated trucks during specific hours, he noted that some states have imposed their own regulations. For instance, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) prohibits such vehicles from operating between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Ogungbemide also highlighted the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS), implemented in 2007, which mandates pre-loading safety checks for gas, fuel, and petroleum trucks to enhance road safety. “No petroleum, diesel, or gas truck is expected to be loaded without our safety clearance,” he stressed.

Furthermore, he called for improved transportation alternatives to reduce the heavy reliance on road travel. “Until other modes of transport are developed, the risks on our roads will remain high,” he warned.

The FRSC has pledged to publish a comprehensive report on the Nyanya-Mararaba accident once the investigation is concluded, reaffirming its commitment to minimizing road accidents.