By Khadija Aliyu
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), conducted a public awareness and stimulation exercise on fuel tanker accidents and explosions in Kano.
The NEMA Kano/Jigawa Territorial Coordinator, Dr Nuradeen Abdullahi explained that the exercise was part of NEMA’s ongoing efforts to enhance public awareness, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and promote safety measures.
He pointed out that the initiative also aimed at preventing and mitigating the devastating impact of tanker explosion, “which has become a recurring serious hazard in urban and transit areas.”
While at the NNPC Depot in Hotoro, Kano, Abdullahi stressed that the essence of the exercise was to sensitize tanker drivers about the dangers of fire accidents.
“Disaster management is a multi-agency, multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary issue,”
He emphasized the need for proactive and joint response efforts and advised drivers to drive safely and avoid drug use, while urging the public to refrain from scooping petroleum in the event of an accident.
The Executive Secretary, Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Isyaku Abdullahi-Kubarachi urged trailer drivers to apply the knowledge gained from the simulation and always remain drug-free behind the wheel.
He commended the stakeholders and frontline operators of fuel transport, saying “your role is absolutely critical, not just in keeping our economy running, but in ensuring public safety.”
On his part the Kano State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Abubakar Idris advised tanker drivers to avoid carrying drugs.
Represented by the Deputy Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA, Mr Bulus Musa he noted that combining fuel and drugs is like putting fire into one container.
“ It will definitely lead to recklessness and carelessness, resulting in pandemonium.”
The Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (Kano Branch) of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers,Alhaji Sani Dan Malan described the exercise as timely.
He explained that “our union has rules. Any driver found taking drugs will not be given a tanker to drive, and driving at night is against our rules. Anyone found guilty will be penalised.”
Also, the Controller, Federal Fire Service In Kano State, Khazeem Sholadoye-Oyefola, hinted that the sensitization would go a long way in preventing accidents and fire outbreaks, especially on major roads.
“Carelessness is the major cause of fire, apart from drugs,” he noted.
Radio Nigeria reports that the event featured live demonstrations on emergency response to fuel spills and fire outbreaks by the Fire Service, Red Cross, FRSC, NEMA and other agencies.
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