The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has disclosed plans to cap petroleum truck loading at 45,000 litres by the fourth quarter of 2025, as part of wider reforms to mitigate road accidents linked to petroleum transportation.
This is coming as part of a phased regulatory enforcement strategy initiated by the authority to address safety concerns in the downstream distribution value chain. The new limit will follow the ongoing enforcement of a 60,000-litre maximum, which commenced in March 2024.
Speaking at a sensitisation workshop for petroleum tanker drivers in Lagos on Tuesday, Mustapha Lamorde, executive director, health, safety, environment and community (HSEC), who represented the Ahmed Farouk, authority chief executive, stated that the move was in line with recommendations by a multi-agency technical working committee on downstream safety.
According to Lamorde, “The Authority has begun the implementation of critical resolutions from the February 19 Technical Working Committee meeting, including mandatory enforcement of the 60,000-litre cap. By the fourth quarter of 2025, the limit will be reduced further to 45,000 litres to improve safety response and reduce casualties in the event of crashes.”
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The committee, comprising 13 government and industry stakeholders, was set up following recurring tanker explosions and highway accidents that have claimed lives and destroyed property across the country.
As part of the broader compliance framework, Lamorde said the NMDPRA has enforced a new 10-page checklist to verify truck roadworthiness, driver fitness, and safety equipment before dispatch. Operators are now required to colour-code and brand their trucks to improve traceability and regulatory oversight.
“In addition, all trucks must be equipped with anti-spill kits to minimise product loss and fire risk during accidents,” Lamorde said.
The enforcement regime has received backing from industry unions and stakeholders, including the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).
Speaking at the event, Comrade Gbolahan, zonal chairman of PTD-NUPENG, Lagos Zone cautioned members against violating safety regulations, especially those related to night movement and overloading.
“We have been clearly instructed that the country no longer wants high-capacity loading. Petroleum product distribution must now comply with the 6am to 6pm driving window, and any driver caught operating outside that timeframe will face stiff penalties,” Gbolahan warned.
He also urged drivers to prioritise their health and take advantage of the union’s health insurance scheme. “Drivers experiencing headaches or any form of discomfort should proceed to the nearest hospital for treatment. No hospital is permitted to charge you under this arrangement. Any such incident should be reported,” he added.
On his part, Kassim Bataiya, NARTO’s national operational coordinator, lauded the Tinubu administration and the NMDPRA for initiating reforms aimed at driver welfare and public safety.
“This is the first administration to show practical commitment to driver safety through institutional mechanisms such as the Technical Working Committee. We at NARTO are fully committed and will continue to collaborate with the government and PTD-NUPENG to enforce safety measures,” he said.
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Bataiya advised drivers to avoid speeding and drunk driving, stressing that “arriving safely is more important than arriving early. Speed reduces your chances of making sound judgments on the road.”
Similarly, Hyginus Omeje, assistant corps commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), emphasised the need for defensive driving, noting that most accidents stem from driver error.
“The best driver isn’t the one driving with one hand or showing bravado on the road. A good driver is one who gets from point A to point B without incident,” Omeje said.
He advised drivers not to rely on the actions of other road users. “Even if you’re right, take steps to avoid a crash. Every other road user is a potential threat,” he added.
Omeje also appealed to NARTO to ensure all petroleum trucks are fitted with speed-limiting devices to curtail excessive speeding.
“Truck drivers must obey traffic laws, reduce speed and exercise patience. Life cannot be replaced,” he said.
