TheCable

The Anambra government has banned petrol tankers from moving during the daytime in the state.

Don Adinuba, the state commissioner for information and public enlightenment, announced the restriction order on Friday.

In a statement, Adinuba said the restriction followed recent cases of tanker fire disasters recorded in the state. He said the restriction was in order to save the lives and properties of the residents.

He said petrol tankers will now operate between 8:00pm and 5:00 am in the state, adding that the violation of the time restriction will be punished accordingly.

“Following the incessant collapse of trucks carrying petroleum products in Anambra State in recent times, including one which happened in Onitsha on Thursday, the Anambra State Government has decided to restrict the time which vehicles laden with petroleum products can move in the state,” the statement.

“With effect from Saturday, November 2, 2019, such vehicles can be allowed to move within Anambra State from only 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

“The restriction is to enable agencies like the Anambra State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Civil Defence, the Anambra Traffic Management Agency and indeed all other security, law enforcement and safety agencies to respond effectively and in good time to emergencies created by such accidents.

“The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Police Force and all other security agencies have been directed to religiously enforce the restriction order on the movement of trucks carrying petroleum products in the state.

“They have also been directed to ensure that such vehicles do not exceed the speed limit of 90 kilometres per hour.

“Any violation of either the time restriction order or the speed limit will be punished accordingly. The protection of the life and asset of every person in Anambra State cannot be compromised.

“All stakeholders, including oil marketers, workers, tanker drivers and indeed concerned persons in the downstream oil sector are urged to bear with the state and help to adhere to this regulation which is made strictly in the overriding public interest.”

Within days, two petrol-laden tankers caused a fire outbreak in Onitsha, with the first incident resulting in the loss of lives and property worth billions of naira.

In another incident which occurred on Thursday, a petrol tanker fell into a ditch along Onitsha/Enugu expressway by Chipex Filling station. No loss was recorded.