Petroleum Tankers Crashes : FRSC Seeks Support Of Petroleum Resources Ministry

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC is seeking the assistance of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in addressing increasing cases of road accidents involving tankers transporting petroleum products across the country .

FRSC Corps Marshal, Mallam Shehu Mohammed made the request when he led FRSC management on a visit to the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Oil, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri in Abuja.

Mallam Shehu Mohammed said the ministry’s logistics support including patrol vehicles and ambulances would enhance road surveillance and prompt response to distress calls.

The Corps Marshal reiterated FRSC’s commitment to safety in movement of petroleum products as personnel are being deployed to major depots across the country to ensure compliance with safety rules and regulations.

While commending the minister for positive reforms being embarked upon in the petroleum industry, the FRSC Corps Marshal said the existing peace and harmony in the Niger Delta region requires sustained collaboration for development in the oil industry.

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources Oil Senator Heineken Lokpobiri expressed concerns over the frequent cases of accidents involving petroleum tankers resulting in fire incidents with loss of lives and property on the highway.

Senator Lokpobiri stressed the need for FRSC to streamline the activities of drivers at the depots with a view to ensuring that only tankers that meet the minimum safety standards load the petroleum products from the tanker’s farm.

He expressed the willingness of the ministry to support the FRSC with logistics and training to enhance the capacity and efficiency of personnel in traffic management.

According to Senator Lokpobiri, with the inauguration of the National Road Safety Advisory Council by the Vice President Kashim Shetima, stakeholders will work together to ensure safety on the nation’s highways.

He commended FRSC for its commitment to safer roads as evidenced by the successes recorded in the areas of Road Transport Safety Standardization scheme, Drivers Certification and Public Enlightenment programs that have led to drastic reduction in the rate of road crashes.

Kayode Oyedare, Edited By Grace Namiji