By Habibu Harisu

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) are to collaborate to check the rising incidence of tanker crashes on roads in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara.

Alhaji Aliyu Kafindangi, the NEMA Zonal Head in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, made this known during a public awareness exercise organised by the agency on Friday in Sokoto.

Kafindangi said the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Federal Fire Service (FFS) and States Fire Services were also involved in the partnership.

He highlighted that the partnership was aimed at enhancing the response to tanker crashes, minimising the loss of lives and properties, and ensuring that victims received prompt and adequate emergency services.

He expressed worry over the rising cases of tanker crashes, attendant fuel scoping after the crash and dangers that led to loss of lives and properties.

He said that sensitisation exercises were conducted in different locations in the three states.

Kafindangi emphasised the need for collective efforts to combat tanker crashes, urging community leaders and the public to join forces with disaster managers on partnerships to prevent these incidents.

In his presentation, the Head of FFS Sokoto Zonal Office, Mr Ibn Umar, dwelled on fire outbreak precautionary measures, immediate actions expected after tanker crashes and urged authorities to repair Nigerian roads.

Umar cautioned the drivers’ union against allowing underage driving and violation of traffic regulation.

“Everybody should be involved in curbing tanker crashes. We need our community leaders and the public’s collaboration. We must speak with one voice to stop this carnage from continuing and improve on what we do,” Umar said.

Speaking also, the FRSC Sector Commander, Mr Abdullahi MaiKano, announced plans to establish more FRSC outposts in strategic locations to facilitate swift intervention in the event of tanker crashes.

MaiKano said that the FRSC would continue to work with stakeholders, state governments to identify high-risk locations and establish outposts in those areas.

The commander called on parents to educate their children on the dangers of tanker crashes, emphasising the need for children to stay away from scenes of tanker crashes or fuel spillage.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that discussions were held on ways to offer prompt response and other precautionary measures. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza