The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has announced a phased reduction in fuel truck loading capacity with a new limit of 45,000 litres set to take effect in the fourth quarter of 2025 as part of nationwide safety reforms targeting frequent petroleum-related road incidents.
The policy shift follows the current enforcement of a 60,000-litre maximum loading threshold introduced in March 2024.
The move, according to the Authority, forms part of a technical resolution developed by a multi-agency working group convened to address the increasing risks associated with fuel transportation.
At a stakeholder engagement workshop held in Lagos, Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director in charge of Health, Safety, Environment and Community at NMDPRA, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to implementing structured reforms in line with safety-focused directives.
He stated that reducing the allowable tanker load is critical to improving crash outcomes and emergency response effectiveness.
“Beginning Q4 2025, all petroleum transporters must adhere to a 45,000-litre loading ceiling. This transition is part of a broader initiative to enhance operational safety, prevent asset losses, and protect lives,” Lamorde said.
The safety framework follows deliberations held in February 2024 with inputs from 13 industry and government stakeholders, resulting in a national action plan on downstream risk mitigation.
As part of the regulatory enhancements, the NMDPRA has introduced a mandatory checklist covering driver readiness, mechanical condition, and the availability of emergency equipment.
Furthermore, the Authority now requires operators to visibly brand and colour-code tankers for easier identification and tracking.
Operators are also mandated to install anti-spill containment kits on all fuel trucks to reduce fire hazards and product loss during transit accidents.
The initiative has received full backing from key transport unions, including the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), both of which have pledged support for full compliance.
Speaking at the event, Gbolahan Akeem, Lagos Zonal Chairman of PTD-NUPENG, warned drivers against overloading and night-time movement, citing the regulatory 6am–6pm driving window.
“Members must strictly comply with safety directives. Violators will face strong sanctions,” he said.
He further advised drivers to prioritise their wellbeing by using the union’s health insurance programme, which covers hospital treatment at no out-of-pocket cost to the driver.
Also speaking, Kassim Bataiya, National Operations Coordinator at NARTO, praised the federal government’s hands-on approach to transportation reform, noting that the creation of a dedicated working committee marked a turning point in industry safety.
“This is the first time government action has been backed by clear enforcement mechanisms,” Bataiya said, urging drivers to avoid excessive speed and reckless behaviour. “Timely delivery is not as important as arriving safely.”
Representing the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Assistant Corps Commander Hyginus Omeje called on truck owners to install speed-limiting devices on all fuel vehicles. He stressed that most crashes result from poor driver judgment and overconfidence.
“Good driving is not a show of skill—it is defined by arriving without incident,” Omeje said. “Operators must avoid assumptions. Defensive driving saves lives.”
The forthcoming 45,000-litre limit will bring Nigeria’s road haulage regulation closer to international safety standards, especially in high-risk sectors such as petroleum logistics. NMDPRA said additional compliance measures will be rolled out ahead of the 2025 deadline to ensure full industry alignment.
Stakeholders expect the reforms to improve public safety, reduce the frequency and severity of fuel tanker accidents, and strengthen regulatory oversight in the downstream oil sector.
