Fix bad roads, NUPENG tells govt after fatal truck accident in Niger
By Ukpono Ukpong
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic petroleum truck accident at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government, Niger State, on Saturday, January 18, which claimed multiple lives and left many injured.
In a statement signed by NUPENG President, Comrade Williams Akporeha, described the incident as devastating, extending heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, friends, and the affected community.
Akporeha lamented the loss of lives, the destruction of properties, and the injuries sustained in the inferno.
He urged the federal government to address the root causes of such tragedies, particularly the poor state of roads across the country.
“The Union takes this opportunity to urgently appeal to the Federal government to repair bad roads to prevent such incidents and to intensify efforts in sensitizirg the public about the dangers of scooping fuel from accidental situations of petroleum trucks on highways.” He said
The NUPENG President also stressed the need for intensified public awareness campaigns about the dangers of scooping fuel from accidental spills.
According to him, such activities not only endanger lives but exacerbate the scale of accidents when they occur. “We appeal to the government to sensitize citizens on the risks involved in these hazardous practices,” Akporeha added.
Highlighting the Union’s commitment to safety, Akporeha noted that NUPENG collaborates annually with agencies like the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Police, and State Traffic Management authorities to train its members on road safety measures. He emphasized the importance of continuous training and retraining of drivers in adopting best practices to reduce road mishaps.
The Union also commended emergency responders for their swift and courageous actions in extinguishing the fire and rescuing many injured victims. Akporeha described their efforts as heroic and called on the authorities to adequately equip emergency services for better handling of such disasters in the future.
In solidarity with the affected families, NUPENG urged the relevant authorities to ensure the injured receive proper medical care and that measures are put in place to support the survivors. “We stand with the families in their grief and call for immediate action to address their needs,” he stated.
Akporeha also called for the establishment of stricter regulatory measures to ensure that petroleum truck drivers adhere to the highest safety standards. He said such measures would not only safeguard lives but also protect the economy from losses associated with these accidents.
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The Union reiterated its unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of its members and the general public, urging all stakeholders to collaborate in preventing a recurrence of such tragedies. “We must work together to make our roads safer for all,” Akporeha emphasized.
NUPENG expressed hope that the government would prioritize road infrastructure development to mitigate the risks faced by petroleum transporters and other road users. Akporeha underscored that improved infrastructure would significantly reduce the frequency of accidents involving petroleum trucks.
NUPENG prayed for the souls of the departed to rest in peace and for the families to find solace during this difficult time. “Our hearts are with the Dikko community. May this tragedy inspire urgent reforms to safeguard lives and properties,” Akporeha said.
