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Tag: tanker

  • Enugu tanker explosion: Death toll rises to 18

    Enugu tanker explosion: Death toll rises to 18

    The death toll in the tanker explosion on Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway has risen from 11 to 18 people as confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Sunday.

    The Sector Commander of the FRSC, Enugu State Command, Mr Franklin Agbakoba, confirmed the rise in the death toll to NAN on Sunday.

    Recall that the incident, which happened on Saturday at about 11:30 a.m. when a fuel-laden tanker had a brake failure, fell and exploded leaving 11 commuters dead.

    NAN reports that the deceased were evacuated by the FRSC officers after officials of the Enugu State Fire Service extinguished the inferno while the injured were taken to hospitals in Enugu for treatment.

    The sector commander said the additional seven deceased were victims of the accident, who were rushed to nearby hospitals, but could not make it.

    Agbakoba disclosed that 11 vehicles and not eight as earlier mentioned  were burnt in the unfortunate incident.

    They included one fuel tanker, one water tanker and 15 other vehicles as well as one tricycle, popularly known as “Keke”.

    “Currently, the death toll from the unfortunate accident is 18 persons and we continue to pray for their souls to have eternal rest.

    “However, three persons were not injured but profiled; and they have since rejoined their families and friends,” he said.

    Agbakoba lauded Gov. Peter Mbah, the state Commissioner for Transportation, Obi Ozor, the Police, the Enugu State Fire Service and health officials among others that came to render help and rescue at the scene.

    The sector commander said that traffic had been diverted to the inward Enugu lane of the ever busy Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

    “For now, we have commenced evacuation of burnt vehicles in the scene of the accident along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in anticipation of re-opening the section of the road,” he said.

    NAN recalls that Gov. Mbah, who was at the scene of the accident for on-the-spot assessment on Saturday, said the government would ensure that the victims received full and free medical attention.

    The governor also revealed that the government would take steps to forestall future occurrences, including enforcement of road rules and fixing the part of the federal road that was in disrepair.

    Mbah commiserated with the families of the victims, describing the accident as “unfortunate”.

    He directed Agbakoba and the state’s Commissioner for Transport, Obi Ozor, to ensure that tankers conveying inflammable substances have anti-spill lock that would prevent spill in case of accidents.

  • SAD ! Tanker fire reportedly engulfs popular Lagos police station

    SAD ! Tanker fire reportedly engulfs popular Lagos police station

    Tanker fire has engulfed a section of Okokomaiko Police Station, Lagos State Police Command.

    The tanker reportedly caught fire while discharging diesel into the storage tank of a hotel that shares same fence with the police facility, reports Daily Trust.

    The incident created a stampede as both the staff of the hotel and policemen attached to the station fled from their offices for fear of being trapped in the fire.

    It was learnt that the fire started from the engine of the truck and quickly spread to the storage tank of the vehicle.

    Witnesses alleged that the fire spread to the police station before any help could come.

    One witness identified simply as Tolupe stated that the truck driver abandoned the vehicle when the fire escalated and fled.

  • Reps dole out N100m to victims of Jigawa tanker explosion

    Reps dole out N100m to victims of Jigawa tanker explosion

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Thursday, led a delegation from the House to sympathise with the people and government of Jigawa State over last week’s petrol tanker explosion, which led to the death of over 170 persons.

    This is even as members of the House from the North-West zone, as well as others from other zones, donated the sum of N100 million to the families of the victims.

    The incident took place at Majiya town in Taura Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, October 15.

    The House delegation, which was at the Government House in Dutse, the state’s capital, sympathised with Governor Malam Umar Namadi over the unfortunate incident.

    The Speaker said: “It is indeed with deep sense of loss, sadness that members of the House of Representatives are here to commiserate and condole the good people of Jigawa State over the unfortunate incident the happened a few days ago.

    “We received the news with great shock and dismay but with that total submission to the Almighty Allah. Whatever happens to a man, we believe is predestined. All we can do as faithful is to pray for the repose of those who passed away.

    “Your Excellency, I will like you to know that the House is with you at this period of loss and sorrow; the House is with you in looking for ways and means of preventing future occurrence in Jigawa State and Nigeria as a whole. The House is with you in looking for solutions to other major issues bedeviling our region in particular. We are with you in finding succour to those who are affected by this tragedy.”

    The Speaker then announced the donation of the sum of N100 million from the members of the North-West caucus and other zones to the victims of the tanker explosion.

    “The House, in its own little way, has decided to give a symbolic contribution to show our sympathy and empathy to the great people of this state, particularly the victims of this unfortunate incident.

    “The House has mandated me and other members here present to announce a donation of N100 million towards the treatment of those who are in the hospital and to give additional support to the families of those who lost their lives.”

    Speaker Abbas extended the condolences of the House at this moment of grief, praying for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and quick recovery for individuals who sustained injuries.

    “May the Almighty God grant those who died eternal peace and Jannatul Firdaus. May those who recorded various degrees of injuries recover in record time.

    “Your Excellency, please accept the profound condolences and consideration of the House on this tragic incident. May God continue to protect us, bless our governor, bless our state, and bring lasting peace in our lives.”

    Part of the delegation were the Deputy House Leader, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims; Leader of the Northern Caucus, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa; Leader of the North West Caucus, Hon. Sada Soli; chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi; ex-Deputy Speaker and chairman, Committee on Federal Character, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase; Hon. Nazif Sani; Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori, and Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed.

    Governor Namadi, in his response, expressed profound appreciation to the Speaker and the House for visit and “this show of generosity and brotherhood.” He assured that the donation would get to the affected victims.

    “On behalf of the people and government of Jigawa State, I want to thank you and the members of the House of Representatives. Despite your busy schedule, you created time to come and condole with us at this moment. This has shown the sign of commitment to the nation.

    “With this singular act, the House of Representatives has demonstrated to the Nigerian people that it is the true representatives of the people, and you are with the people at the times of need. We are sincerely grateful.

    “You did not only lead this delegation. You also donated the sum of 100 million for the victims. This is more than a call of duty. We thank you very much for this generosity and show of brotherhood.

    “I want to assure you that this money will go to the intended people in Sha Allah. This incident is really devastating to us as a people. But with people like you, we feel strengthened; we feel there is hope, and we feel Nigerians are with us in the time of need.

    “As a nation, this shows we are concerned with the problem of one another. May Allah continue to be with you and strengthen you in your service to this nation. We are sincerely grateful.”

  • FRSC gives update on Lagos -Ibadan Expressway tanker explosion

    FRSC gives update on Lagos -Ibadan Expressway tanker explosion

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that no life was lost in Wednesday’s tanker explosion in the Ibafo axis of the Lagos -Ibadan Expressway.

    Mrs Florence Okpe, the FRSC spokesperson in Ogun, said this in a statement in Abeokuta, on Thursday.

    Okpe said that the incident occured at 1:00 a.m Wednesday and it involved a tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

    She disclosed that the accident was caused by a burst tyre which led to loss of control , saying that the tanker fell, spilling its content on the road surface .

    ”The fire service was contacted immediately but before their arrival, the tanker had exploded. Five vehicles were burnt in the incident,” she said.

    The FRSC spokesperson said that three men  were injured in the accident, but no life was lost.

    She said that the victims were taken to Real Divine Hospital , Ibafo and General Hospital, Sagamu.

    Okpe said that the  Sector Commander,  Akinwumi Fasakin,,  advised motorists to ensure their tyres were not worn out or expired, to avoid accidents.

    He enjoined motorists to be safety conscious and drive safely.

  • Tanker carrying PMS explodes on Ibadan-Ife Expressway [VIDEO]

    Tanker carrying PMS explodes on Ibadan-Ife Expressway [VIDEO]

    A tanker conveying petrol has exploded on Ife/Ibadan expressway way within Egbeda environ in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Unconfirmed account by eyewitnesses has it that the tanker filled with Petroleum Motor Spirit(PMS) while diverting to the other side of the road from Ife to Ibadan suddenly cut fire.

    As at the time of reporting, a Toyota bus, two private cars and a mini truck were completely razed by fire from effect of the fire fuel tanker.

    No fire service seen at the scene of the event except officers of the FRSC who are busy and overwhelmed controlling the traffic.

    The traffic has extended all the way to the former Ife-Ibadan toll gate leaving commuters stranded with no alternative route.

    Watch video:

  • Gridlock as petrol tanker explodes on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

    Gridlock as petrol tanker explodes on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

    A tanker conveying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) on Saturday morning exploded after falling on its side at Ibafo axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, causing gridlock.

    Mrs Florence Okpe, the spokesperson, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun, confirmed the incident to NAN in Abeokuta.

    Okpe said that men of the Ogun State Fire Service were at the scene of the crash, with efforts ongoing to put out the fire.

    ”FRSC operatives from Ibafo outpost are on ground managing the traffic situation.

    ”We are witnessing traffic build up between Ago Igbala, the road traffic crash scene, and MFM prayer city on the outward Lagos section of the expressway,” she said.

    Okpe said that full details of the crash would be provided as soon as possible.

  • Group hails CNS, Nigerian Navy on protection of National Assets, Maritime Safety

    Group hails CNS, Nigerian Navy on protection of National Assets, Maritime Safety

    Foremost pro-democracy and development group, known as Niger-Delta Development Initiative (NDDI), has given pastmark to the effort of the Nigerian Navy in its effort to get rid of oil bunkers and illegal oil merchants in the South South region.

    The group specifically acknowledged the bravery of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and his team in waging war against the age-long oil theft in the oil rich region.

    According to a statement signed by Rev. Sam Smith Tonye, President of NDDI, before Mr. Ogalla came on board as Naval henchman, the proliferation of pirates and illegal oil merchants in Niger Delta had caused Nigeria’s Government a great fortune.

    Rev. Tonye said, “the various efforts and machineries put in place by Ogalla in combating crimes and criminality around the seas and nation’s waterways can not be ignored”.

    He added that, “the measures put in place to check the activities of those pirates and bunkers is seriously paying off”, saying, “the top merchants and their Abuja collaborators now know it’s no longer business as usual”.

    The group also praised the Chief of Naval Staff “for helping to reduce to barest minimal level, incidents of oil theft in the Niger Delta”, as well as, “protecting the nation’s coastal waters from external enemies who come in to steal the nation’s wealth regularly”.

    This, the group alluded, was far from what was the state of the oil rich region before the inauguration of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

    The statement argued that, the reign of Ogalla barely six months as CNS, has brought about improved changes in Niger Delta region.

    Recall that President Tinubu appointed Mr. Ogalla as Chief of Naval Staff in June, 2023, few days after his inuaguration as President.

    Also recall that, the House of Representatives, had in July, 2023, raised alarm over the incessant oil theft in Nigeria.

    Though the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the menace, but the committee was short-lived, even having made appreciable progress through revelations by various stakeholders.

  • Tanker crashes on Jos-Abuja road, many commuters stranded

    Tanker crashes on Jos-Abuja road, many commuters stranded

    A heavy-duty truck, carrying bottled water, on Saturday crashed at Hawan-Kibo, on the Jos-Abuja highway in a lone accident, leaving scores of motorists and commuters stranded in an unusual gridlock.

    Mr Peter Longsan, the Public Education Officer of the Plateau Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), confirmed the development to NAN in Jos.

    Longsan said that the accident occurred at about 4:00 p.m., adding that the tanker fell crossing the highway and blocking both lanes.

    “A water tanker fell on the highway around Hawan kibo, Jos-Abuja road; it fell and crossed the road leaving a lot of motorists stranded.

    “But our men are already on ground, making frantic efforts to clear the road and ease traffic flow.

    “We appeal to motorists to be patient and not panic, our men will soon clear the road,” Longsan said.

    Mr Mohammed Suleiman, an eye witness at the scene of the accident, who was on his way to Abuja from Jos, told NAN that commuters had been stranded there for many hours without movements from both sides of the road.

    “No vehicle is moving from both sides, those going to Abuja from Jos, and even those coming from the North East cannot go further. Ditto for those coming from Abuja either to Jos or the far north,” Tola said.

    He, however, noted that hope for the stranded passengers seemed to be in sight as officials of the FRSC were mobilising to the area to remove the vehicle and ease the gridlock.

    According to reports, Hawan Kibo is often a flash point of ghastly accidents, usually involving heavy-duty vehicles, which find ascending the hilly area a herculean task.

    As a result, many lives have been lost following the crashes that often involve multiple vehicles.

  • FRC imposes N500m penalty on NIMASA for noncompliance with financial reporting standards

    FRC imposes N500m penalty on NIMASA for noncompliance with financial reporting standards

    The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) has suspended the 2018 audited financial statement of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for non-compliance with financial reporting standards.

    In a public notice on Thursday, the FRC management directed NIMASA to begin the process of restating its audited financial statement for the year ended December 31, 2022.

    The council also imposed a type six penalty of N500 million for the withdrawal of the financial statement.

    The action, the council said, was in accordance with the FRC Act 2011 (as amended) and the council’s guidelines and regulations for the inspection and monitoring of reporting entities. “The FRC registration numbers of certifiers of NIMASA’S Audited Financial Statement, Dr. Bashir Jamoh (FRC/2017/CIANG/00000016699) and Chudi Offodile (Unregistered), are hereby suspended,” the statement reads.

    “This suspension renders them incapable of certifying any financial statements in Nigeria. “The 2018 Audited Financial Statements of NIMASA are hereby withdrawn, and NIMASA is directed to restate its 2018 audited financial statements.

    “NIMASA is required to publish, within seven (7) working days from the date of this notice, in at least two national newspapers (full page), that their 2018 financial statements and returns have been withdrawn for non-compliance with Financial Reporting Standards.” The FRC said it would immediately post the information on its website and inform other regulatory agencies that the defective financial statements have been withdrawn. Speaking on the restatement process and submission of financial statements, the council directed NIMASA “to begin the process of restating the 2018 audited financial statement in accordance with the FRC Act”.

    According to FRC, the preparation and submission of the agency’s audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 will be based on the restatement. “NIMASA is required to file the restated financial statements for 2018, together with the management letters issued by their external auditors, with the Council within 60 days,” FRC said.

    “Penalty Imposed: The Council hereby imposes a Type 6 penalty of N500,000,000 (Five Hundred Million Naira) for the withdrawal of the 2018 financial statement, in line with Regulation 18 of the FRC Guidelines/Regulations 2014.” The FRC said it is committed to maintaining financial reporting standards and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of financial statements. The action against NIMASA, the council said, serves as a reminder to all reporting entities of their responsibility to adhere to established guidelines and rules.

  • “I initiated Health Insurance Scheme for Petroleum Tanker Drivers on wheels,” PTD Nat’l Chairman, Osesua tells NUPENG scribe

    “I initiated Health Insurance Scheme for Petroleum Tanker Drivers on wheels,” PTD Nat’l Chairman, Osesua tells NUPENG scribe

    … insists he was the brain behind scheme

    The National Chairman of Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of NUPENG, Comrade Lucky Osesua, has cautioned drivers across the 4 zones of the union not to be taken in by the gambit of the General Secretary of NUPENG, Afolabi Olawale, on the reintroduction and launch of the health insurance scheme.

    Osesua said that he was the brain behind the programme, which he had earlier introduced to the drivers as the Branch Chairman.

    Osesua, on behalf of the Branch, urged PTD members to critically assess the current situations instead of falling for Afolabi’s rhetoric in the mainstream and social media.

    He said they should make up their minds and take informed decisions about their welfare, health, life, wellbeing and livelihoods and never allow anyone to negatively alter their destinies by flaunting a caricature of the original idea.

    Osesua, in a widely circulated press release, signed by him and the National Secretary, Comrade Humble Obinna Power, said the scheme under his leadership sought to address the welfare, well-being, life and livelihoods of all members of the Branch who traverse the length and breadth of the country on wheels.

    He, however, expressed regrets that the scheme was now shrouded in secrecy, adding that signatories had been changed and there was no more transparency and accountability in it, contrary to the initial scheme, which was in the best interest and welfare of the drivers on wheels and principal officers of the Union.

    “The attention of the National leadership of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has been drawn to the offer of the General Secretary of the Union, Afolabi Olawale and the President, Williams Akporeha to launch and reintroduce an existing health insurance scheme which was introduced by me earlier in my tenure, but unfortunately the duo have deliberately manipulated the health insurance scheme, making it so obnoxious for our members to key into, due to the regime of multiple taxes, levies and rates being introduced at various depots and loading stations.

    “Putting the records straight, my humble self and my deputy, Comrade Dayyabu Yusuf Garga alongside the entire executives introduced the health insurance scheme for our drivers to have a new lease of life and access to quality and affordable health care in any part of the country once they tender their automated identity cards which contain their biometrics.

    “Afolabi Olawale cannot try to take the credit as though the initiative was his brainchild. What they are doing currently lacks acceptability, consultation, education or due process; they are only using coercive force to lure our members into it, which is against the good intent of the health insurance scheme.

    “Our reaction underscores the lack of attraction in the NUPENG programmes and policies which ostensibly lack direction, sincerity and purpose as it is being orchestrated by the current leadership under Afolabi Olawale (General Secretary) and Williams Akporeha (President) which is an admittance of their usual disaster in what they tagged “Health Insurance for Petroleum Tanker Drivers on the Wheel.”

    “We therefore urge our members to take informed decisions about their welfare, health, life, wellbeing, and livelihoods and never allow anyone to negatively alter their destinies through dubious and questionable scheme.

    “My humble self, my deputy Comrade Dayyabu Yusuf Garga and the entire constitutionally-recognised and legitimate national executives of PTD Branch of NUPENG are aware that National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is one of the health financing options adopted by Nigeria for improved healthcare access especially to the low income earners.

    “One of the key operators of the scheme is the health care providers. Thus, their uptake of the scheme is fundamental to the survival of the scheme. But laughably, Afolabi, as usual, was attempting to take credit for it while also trying to reinvent the wheel. This is most ridiculous and unthinkable.

    “However, we have gathered hard facts from impeccable sources that Afolabi who is now driving the process only redesigned it to further impoverish our members because the intention is reactionary and also serve as a Greek gift to hoodwink our members, but little did he know that our members have made up their minds not to fall for his anti union antics and extortionist tendencies.

    “It is therefore imperative for us to state clearly that the scheme which is set to kick off on Thursday, December 14, 2023 was only hurriedly reintroduced to launder Afolabi’s already battered image and to seek empathy from our members as he craves for recognition, acceptance and legitimacy.

    “For those who know Afolabi, he is such an individual who doesn’t have any track record or history of making people happy but rather he derives pleasure in inflicting hardship and pains on people for selfish and greedy intents.

    “We are still surprised why the General Secretary of our parent union will be among signatories to PTD’s bank accounts, especially the one for the health insurance scheme and others. This is the first time this will be happening; it is alien to our byelaws and extant rules, and moreso, there are more than a hundred other branches both in formal and informal sectors; why is he investing so much passion and interest in the goose that lays the golden egg: the PTD Branch?”

    “In the light of the above, we passionately appeal to all our members to remain steadfast and law abiding by showing solidarity with us as we continue in the struggle to restore decency, sanity, constitutional democratic process and rule of law; and more importantly to bring back dignity to our labour in order to revive our socio-economic fortunes as well as freedom and pride. Thank you all, and God bless you.

    SIGNED:

    Comrade Lucky Osesua
    (National Chairman)

    Comrade Humble Obinna Power (National Secretary).