PETROAN lauds Tinubu’s ban on large fuel trucks, raises job loss concerns
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria has praised President Bola Tinubu for banning trucks carrying over 60,000 litres of hydrocarbon products, a move aimed at curbing tanker accidents and explosions.
Effective March 1, 2025, the ban prohibits trucks exceeding 60,000 litres from loading at depots, while from Q4 2025, trucks carrying over 45,000 litres will also be restricted.
The decision reached at a stakeholders’ roundtable led by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority had the backing of key industry players, including the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Fire Service, among others.
According to reports, large petroleum trucks have been involved in multiple accidents over the past three years, claiming more than 493 lives and causing severe injuries, largely due to the poor state of Nigerian roads.
PETROAN also commended the NMDPRA, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, NARTO, the Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, and the Passenger Transport Drivers’ Authorisation for their roles in promoting a safer energy sector.
In a Sunday statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Joseph Obele, PETROAN said, “President Tinubu’s passion for prioritising the safety of Nigerian lives triggered this decision. This move demonstrates his commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians.”
However, the association warned that while the ban aims to reduce accidents, it could lead to significant job and financial losses for truck owners.
“Notably, members of NARTO, DAPMAN, PTD, NUPENG, MEMAN, and PETROAN collectively own thousands of trucks affected by the ban.
“These trucks support over 100,000 employees, including truck drivers, conductors, mechanics, haulage personnel, truck supervisors, and many others who rely directly or indirectly on these trucks for their livelihood,” the statement added.
To mitigate the impact, PETROAN National President, Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, urged Tinubu to intervene, calling for measures to cushion the effects of the ban on small-scale businesses and truck owners.
He also called on all stakeholders to comply with the new regulations while appealing for government support to address the potential economic fallout.
