MEMAN champion rail transport for safer fuel distribution
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has called for the reintroduction of rail transport for fuel distribution to help reduce the growing number of truck accidents on Nigerian roads.
Mr Clement Isong, MEMAN’s Chief Executive Officer, gave the advice in an interview with the Business intelligence (TBI Africa) on Saturday in Lagos.
It would be recalled that on Feb. 19, the Federal Government announced a ban on fuel tankers exceeding 60,000 liters from operating on the country’s roads, citing safety concerns and the need to curb frequent accidents involving heavy-duty petroleum trucks.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) stated that the restriction would take effect from March 1, 2025.
Isong highlighted the frequent truck accidents in the country, emphasising that rail transport could offer significant advantages, particularly in terms of safety and efficiency.
He explained that rail transport would help reduce the number of fuel tankers on the road, thereby lowering the chances of accidents.
He said that although rail is better than trucks, but pipelines are the best, and therefore suggested improving it.
He added that rail could transport larger volumes of products more efficiently than trucks, potentially cutting long-term costs.
“To make this a reality, however, the government needs to invest in the necessary infrastructure and designate specific rail lines for petroleum product transportation.
“Though this will take time, it could significantly improve the safety and sustainability of the industry,” he said.
Isong also discussed the Federal Government’s decision to restrict fuel tankers exceeding 60,000 liters.
This regulation, he explained, followed consultations with stakeholders in the petroleum downstream sector, as well as government agencies responsible for road infrastructure, safety, and security.
He said that the decision aligns with the United Nations’ Second Decade of Action for Road Safety and the five pillars of improving road safety: road management, vehicle safety, post-crash care, road user behaviour, and enforcement of traffic laws.
“This decision reflects a concerted effort to protect our roads and address the environmental and safety issues associated with overloaded trucks.
“The growing number of fuel tanker accidents has raised serious safety concerns, and this regulation aims to mitigate hazardous incidents,” the CEO said.
Isong also warned that overloaded trucks, especially those carrying petroleum products, are prone to brake failures, rollovers, and difficulty in control, all of which pose serious risks to road safety.
“While the new regulation is a positive step, the real challenge lies in enforcing it effectively across the country.
“The government must ensure that distribution channels are optimised to prevent supply chain disruptions, particularly when trucks are recalled,” he added.
Isong emphasised the need for strict enforcement of the new regulation, with clear penalties for non-compliance.
He also called for investments in technology to help ensure compliance and the prioritisation of repairs for tanker routes.
To ensure continued product supply and improve safety, Isong advocated the development of better transport alternatives, including rail networks and pipelines.
He urged the government to provide financial support to transporters for redesigning their tankers to meet the new regulations.
Isong also addressed truck drivers, urging them to adhere to the new regulations for the collective good, which would make roads safer for all.
He encouraged drivers to stay well-trained, remain updated on safe driving practices, and ensure their vehicles are in good working condition before each trip.
“Proper journey management is key.
“Avoid alcohol while driving, as it impairs your ability to control the vehicle.
“Regularly check your truck for any malfunctions and report them to your supervisors,” he stressed.
Isong also urged fuel marketers to invest in smaller, safer tankers to comply with the new regulations, conduct periodic integrity checks on trucks, and ensure that only trained drivers are responsible for transporting products.
Isong advised marketers to embrace technology to monitor operations and optimise safety measures, such as setting up control centers to track trucks in transit and ensure drivers adhere to safety procedures.
“Work closely with your logistics teams to optimise loading processes and ensure strict adherence to safety standards,” he noted.
Isong said that training and retraining of drivers cannot be overemphasised, adding that drivers should be trained at least once every year to emphasize good driving culture, product knowledge, and safety practices at the loading depots and on the road.
He said that all training is essential, adding that truck drivers should undergo defensive driving courses regularly. Unfortunately, there is no training school in Nigeria that has a driving track specifically for tanker drivers.
The MEMAN boss said that the government could collaborate with private investors or with TotalEnergies to complete the driving track for tankers under construction at Ibadan.
“This school, with an integrity check center for trucks and a driving track still under construction, could serve as a good school for tanker driver training.
“Only certified trained drivers should be allowed to drive petroleum tankers.
“Certification should be by FRSC, and the drivers should have passed through the training school,” he added.
