Nigeria may face a potential tanker shortage following the Federal Government’s decision to ban petroleum trucks with 60,000- and 45,000-litre capacity to curb rising tanker accidents across the country.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) announced the ban on Wednesday.
NMDPRA said all 60,000-litre capacity tankers would be prohibited from operating by March 1, 2025 while 45,000-litre trucks would be phased out by the fourth quarter of 2025.
The decision comes amid growing concerns over road safety as Nigeria relies heavily on trucks to transport petroleum products due to the absence of viable pipelines and rail infrastructure. Between 2010 and 2025, more than 2,500 tanker accidents have been recorded, leading to over 3,500 deaths with one of the deadliest incidents occurring in Jigawa in 2024, when a fuel-laden truck overturned and exploded, killing dozens.
“We cannot fold our hands and wait for pipelines or railways to become viable alternatives,” said NMDPRA Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Ogbugo Ukoha. “Every life lost is one too many. This is the work we must do, and we will not back down.”
In 2020, stakeholders agreed to cap tanker loads at 45,000 litres but enforcement has remained a challenge with 60,000-litre trucks continuing to operate, exacerbating road accidents and damaging infrastructure.
The NMDPRA said it would adopt a phased approach, first banning 60,000-litre trucks before eventually eliminating 45,000-litre trucks.
The move is expected to have significant implications for fuel distribution with industry operators warning of potential disruptions in supply chains.
Nigeria’s fuel transportation network heavily depends on road tankers, making any regulatory changes a critical factor in ensuring energy security.
While safety concerns remain paramount, the government’s decision has sparked debate among industry stakeholders with some calling for improved pipeline infrastructure to mitigate the impact of the ban on fuel availability.
As the deadline approaches, the NMDPRA is expected to engage stakeholders on transition strategies while closely monitoring compliance to ensure a gradual shift toward safer petroleum transportation practices.
