Explosions: FRSC to monitor tanker drivers with onboard cameras
The Federal Road Safety Corps is stepping up efforts to ensure tanker safety on Nigerian roads by introducing advanced technology and safety measures, including the installation of onboard cameras to monitor driver behaviour in real-time.
Fuel tanker explosions have become an alarming and recurring phenomenon across Nigeria.
In the past four years alone, over 400 lives have been lost to the tragedy across Nigeria, according to media reports.
The incidents span urban and rural areas, affecting communities across the country.
On January 18, 2025, a tanker overturned in Dikko near Suleja, Niger State, spilling its contents. Crowds quickly gathered to scoop the fuel, but a subsequent explosion killed more than 98 people.
The victims included men, women, and children, most of whom had rushed to the scene to secure the valuable resource.
However, the FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, who spoke to Sunday PUNCH explained that these new measures were part of ongoing efforts to curb road accidents and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Ogungbemide noted that the corps was collaborating with the National Association of Road Transport Owners to install these cameras on tankers and provide continuous monitoring of drivers’ conduct and help to prevent unsafe driving practices.
“One of the new measures introduced is the installation of onboard cameras for real-time monitoring of the excesses of drivers of these articulated vehicles.
“We are presently engaging the owners of these trucks through the national leadership of their union which is NARTO.
“The engagement is multifaceted as it involves training and retraining of drivers to keep them up to date with contemporary dynamics of safe driving,” Ogungbemide explained.
The FRSC also emphasised the importance of training and retraining drivers, organising retreats and refresher courses to keep them updated on modern safe driving techniques.
The Corps is also working to enhance enforcement along key corridors and improve compliance through Mobile Court operations.
The spokesperson noted, “There is also the area of enhanced enforcement along the major corridors as well as Mobile Court operations to deepen compliance with established traffic rules.”
In addition to technology, Ogungbemide highlighted the vital role of public education in changing poor road use behaviours among tanker drivers.
