The Accident Prevention and Rescue Initiative (APRI) has warned Nigerians of the grave dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers. Executive Director Amb. Fidelis Nnadi condemned the practice, describing it as “suicidal” and describing the widespread ignorance of the risks as regrettable. Nnadi cited the recent fuel tanker explosion in Suleja, Niger State, as a stark reminder of the tragedies caused by this dangerous practice.
The recent fuel tanker explosion in Suleja, Niger State, which claimed nearly 100 lives, is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of fuel scooping in Nigeria ¹. This tragic incident is not an isolated one. On October 17th, 2024, a fuel tanker overturned and exploded in Jigawa State, resulting in the loss of at least 153 lives as people rushed to scoop petrol.