Niger: The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has announced plans to review its operating procedures to enhance safety awareness in the wake of a tanker explosion in Niger. Mr. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of NMDPRA, stated this during a visit to the explosion site on Sunday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the explosion occurred when a petrol-laden tanker exploded at Dikko Junction, Gurara, leading to the death of many residents and injuries to several others. The NMDPRA plans to conduct further investigations after receiving a preliminary report and will implement measures to prevent future incidents.
The inspection team included key stakeholders from the oil sector, such as the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a branch of NUPENG. Ahmed, represented by Dr. Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director of Health, Safety, Environment, and Community at NMD
PRA, emphasized collaboration with stakeholders to heighten public safety awareness.
From initial findings, it was reported that the explosion was triggered by an accident that led to a fuel spill, with individuals attempting to scoop the fuel, resulting in the tragic incident. The authority is committed to reviewing standard operating procedures and ensuring proper safety arrangements to prevent similar accidents.
The NMDPRA team also visited the Musa Yar’Adua Memorial Hospital in Sabon-Wuse, Niger, where victims of the explosion received medical treatment. Dr. Musa Lafaruma, Head of Hospital Services, confirmed that 28 victims were admitted to the hospital, with three fatalities and several others taken to different hospitals by family members for further medical care.