Reps task FRSC on stricter tanker safety after explosion in Niger state

The house of representatives has asked the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to intensify enforcement of safety standards for tankers and heavy-duty vehicles.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved by Saidu Abdullahi, lawmaker representing Bida/Gbako/Katcha federal constituency of Niger state during Wednesday’s plenary.

On Tuesday, a tanker exploded in the Essa community, along the Agaie–Bida road, Katcha LGA of Niger state.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said at least 39 people died, with more than 60 injured in the explosion.

Moving the motion, Abdullahi said the disaster is only one among several recurrent tanker explosions and fatal accidents that have occurred along the corridor in recent months, leading to the persistent loss of lives and livelihoods.

He said the Bida-Agaie-Lapai-Lambata-Diko road has remained in deplorable condition for decades, despite successive administrations awarding multiple contracts for its rehabilitation, none of which have been fully executed.

“The rehabilitation and reconstruction of the road was at a point under the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, a public-private partnership (PPP) model designed to leverage corporate tax obligations for critical infrastructure delivery,” he said.

“Despite the potential of the tax credit scheme to fast-track infrastructural development, the federal government recently announced the cancellation of NNPC intervention on roads, leaving several ongoing or proposed projects – including the Bida-Agaie-Lapai-Lambata-Diko in uncertainty and execution limbo.”

Abdullahi said the continued neglect of the “vital highway” has resulted in frequent gridlocks, destruction of goods, loss of productive hours, and severe hardship for commuters and residents.

“The corridor is not only crucial to Niger state but also to the nation’s economic network, connecting agricultural production zones to markets and the FCT, thereby demanding immediate federal attention and sustainable interventions,” he said.

Lawmakers voted in support of the motion when Benjamin Kalu, the presiding officer, called for a voice vote.

Following that, the house asked the ministry of works and the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to immediately commence full rehabilitation, expansion, and completion of the road.

The green chamber asked the FRSC and relevant agencies to “intensify enforcement of safety standards for tanker and heavy-duty operations, ensuring compliance with roadworthiness, loading procedures, and emergency response protocols”.

The parliament urged NEMA to provide relief materials and medical support to the victims and families of the explosion.