The Federal Government has ordered a nationwide ban on nighttime operations for fuel tankers, restricting their movement to between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The directive was announced by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) during a safety awareness campaign held in Lagos.
The event was organized in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Petroleum Tanker Drivers arm of NUPENG, the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other safety agencies.
According to the NMDPRA, the move aims to reduce road accidents and fatal explosions caused by the movement of petroleum-laden trucks at night. Tanker drivers caught violating the new rule will face strict penalties.
The authority also disclosed that a new regulation limiting the quantity of fuel a tanker can carry is already being enforced to further enhance road safety.