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On June 19, 2025, the PortHarcourt Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), led by its Head of Operations, Mr. Ebhodaghe Eric, held a sensitization programme for tanker drivers and stakeholders at the Abonema Wharf Tanker Terminal. The initiative aimed to raise awareness of the dangers of reckless driving, overspeeding, drug use, and carelessness, which often lead to tanker accidents and fires.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Eric, representing the Director General of NEMA, emphasized the need for drivers and the public to adopt safer habits. He urged community leaders to educate their people against vandalizing accidented tankers to scoop fuel, an act that often results in tragic outcomes. He called on stakeholders to work together to enforce safety measures and promoted regular maintenance and compliance with regulations.
The programme brought together participants from the FRSC, Federal Fire Service, NSCDC, Nigeria Red Cross, Rivers State Emergency Management Agency, NUPENG, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, NATO, community leaders, and tanker drivers. It featured practical exercises on using fire extinguishers and administering CPR, conducted by the Federal Fire Service and Red Cross. Drivers were given the opportunity to practice these vital skills.
Comrade Joseph Chukwuma Okafor, representing the Zonal Chairman of NUPENG/PTD, commended NEMA for its proactive efforts and promised the union’s support to ensure compliance with safety measures. The programme also identified equipment failures, human error, bad roads, lack of training, and overspeeding as common causes of tanker accidents, and highlighted measures introduced by the union, including mandatory installation of improved manholes and regular training for drivers.
The session ended with questions and answers, followed by group photographs. The participants expressed their gratitude to NEMA for its initiative and pledged to apply the lessons learned for a safer environment for both tanker operators and the public.
