FG to improve petroleum distribution, address tanker explosions -- Oil minister
The Federal Government is set to revamp Nigeria's petroleum distribution systems and address the alarming rate of petrol tanker explosions, according to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.
Speaking in Abuja during a meeting with the Corp Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, Lokpobiri emphasized the government's commitment to improving safety and efficiency in the sector.
"The frequent petrol tanker explosions have caused significant loss of lives and property across the country, and this cannot continue," Lokpobiri stated.
He attributed the recurring incidents to Nigeria's overreliance on road transportation for distributing petroleum products, compounded by outdated pipeline infrastructure.
"Ordinarily, petroleum products should be transported through pipelines to depots closer to consumers, but many of our pipelines have exceeded their lifespan. Replacing them is extremely capital-intensive," the minister explained.
Lokpobiri further pointed out that the lack of investment in Nigeria's downstream sector, exacerbated by governance uncertainties and delays in passing key legislation, has crippled the country's ability to modernize its infrastructure.
He noted that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which was first proposed in 2007/2008 but not passed until 2021, created a challenging environment for investors. However, with the PIA now in place, the government aims to create a stable environment for investment.
"Investors are interested, but we need to provide them with a stable environment where they can be confident in their investments," he said.
ALSO READ:Petrol tanker explosion averted in Asaba as residents scoop product
To ensure better petroleum product distribution, Lokpobiri said the government is exploring technological solutions to secure pipelines against vandalism and support the operation of local refineries. He reiterated the importance of reducing Nigeria's dependence on road transport, which has contributed to the frequent tanker-related accidents.
The FRSC Corp Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, thanked the minister for his support and called for enhanced cooperation between the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to ensure road safety and better petroleum distribution across the country.
Mohammed stressed the importance of integrating road safety measures into petroleum logistics, given the high volume of trucks transporting hazardous materials. He added, "By strengthening cooperation between regulatory bodies, we can reduce the risk of accidents and improve the overall safety of our roads."
Senator Lokpobiri assured the public that the Federal Government is committed to finding long-term solutions to these challenges. "We are determined to prevent further loss of lives and property by creating a safer, more efficient petroleum distribution system," he concluded.
