Rivers tanker fire: NGF seeks safer mode of transportation for petroleum products
- Tinubu directs federal agencies to support govt
- First Lady condoles with state
The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has said discussions are ongoing among the 36 states and strategic federal agencies in the oil and gas industry to adopt safer methods of transporting petroleum products across the country.
The forum’s chairman, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced this yesterday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, when he commiserated with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the people of the state over Friday night’s tanker inferno.
The fire, which reportedly emanated from multiple explosions of petrol-laden tankers, killed five persons and razed over 120 vehicles on Eleme axis of the East-West Road.
AbdulRazaq, who is also the Kwara State governor, recalled a similar carnage in Ogun State, which was caused by a tanker conveying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
In a statement by Fubara’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, the NGF chairman described the Friday incident as a huge loss.
The Kwara governor said his meeting with Fubara enabled them to discuss the recurring decimal.
Read Also: Rivers disaster: governors’ forum seeks safer method of transporting petroleum products
He said: “I came over to commiserate with the government and people of Rivers State over the tanker fire incident and the subsequent huge loss of lives. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.
“We have peer review discussions over it. A similar incident had happened in Ogun State as well, which you are aware of; that’s a CNG tanker. The Rivers State’s was a petrol tanker.
“We also spoke with the Head of the Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency, and there will be a review of some laws. There will also be an engagement between the Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency and state agencies in terms of ensuring health and safety on these issues.
“As you know, Nigeria relies a lot, virtually, on pipelines for the movement of petroleum products. We need to strengthen regulations in that sector and emphasise improving and expanding pipelines for the transportation of products as well.”
Also, President Bola Tinubu has directed federal agencies to continue providing support to the Rivers State government in addressing the aftermath of the tanker fire tragedy.
A statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, reads: “President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the fire incident caused by an articulated vehicle conveying petroleum product at the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
“Commiserating with the government and people of Rivers State on this tragedy, which resulted in the loss of precious lives and property, President Tinubu prays for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident.
“The President directs federal agencies in the state to continue liaising with the state government to provide the much-needed immediate support to all victims of the incident.
“The President commends the first responders in Rivers State for their bravery and dedication in assisting those affected by the accident, and expresses confidence that stricter safety regulations for the transportation of petroleum products will be implemented to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
Also, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has condoled with Governor Fubara, the families of the victims, and the entire community affected by Friday’s tanker explosion in the state.
In a personal statement, she said: “My heartfelt condolences go out to Governor of Rivers State, HE Siminalayi Fubara, the families of those who lost loved ones in the horrific petroleum tanker explosion in Rivers State, and the entire community affected by this tragedy.
“Losing lives in such a sudden and devastating way is heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with those who are grieving this immense loss.
“May God grant the souls of the departed eternal rest.”
Exposed!! Popular Abuja doctor revealed how men can naturally and permanently cure poor erection, quick ejaculation, small and shameful manhood without side effects. Even if you are hypertensive or diabetic . Stop the use of hard drugs for sex!! It kills!
VERIFIED: Nigerians can now earn US Dollars with premium domains just like Americans, acquire for as low as $1200 and you profit $19000 (₦23million). Click here to start.
Small Manhood And Premature Ejaculation Made Me Stay Away from Love Making For 4yrs...But These Simple Solutions WORKED! Click Here To See My Breakthrough!
Advertisement