The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has intensified public sensitisation against tanker fire and other fire accidents across states in the South-East to reduce incidents of tanker fire explosion and other fire-related accidents.
The tanker fire and fire accidents prevention sensitisation, which took place at Ishieke Motor Park, Abakaliki, was organised by NEMA’s Enugu operations office in collaboration with key stakeholders in Ebonyi State.
Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, represented by the Head of NEMA Enugu Operations Office, Mrs. Ngozi Echeazu,said the agency is focusing on disaster risk reduction knowledge and proactive approach in order to check avoidable loss of lives and destruction of property, and the environment.
The NEMA boss also cautioned drivers to drive responsibly as life has no duplicate, advising that in event of any emergency they should demonstrate humanity by saving lives.
She condemned the act of scooping fuel from tanker trucks and taking video of emergency/disaster situations instead of rendering assistance.
Umar highlighted measures that can be taken to prevent tanker fire explosions to include, regular maintenance of the tankers/trucks, continuous training/retraining of tanker drivers, repair of bad roads and enforcement of safety protocols.
She further called on participants to cascade down the knowledge gained during the sensitisation to family members, friends, colleagues as well as townhall and church meetings.
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Earlier, Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by the Commissioner for Human Capital Development, Mrs. Ann Aligwe, commended NEMA, the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency (EBSEMA) and other stakeholders for their dedication to disaster management.
Gov. Nwifuru recalled the unfortunate incident of tanker fire explosion at Ugwu-Onyeama axis, along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway on January 25, 2025, which claimed 23 lives; with the state alone losing 11 persons from one family.
“This sensitisation is apt. Everyone in attendance should pay attention to the lectures. Ebonyi State government will continue to support programmes that promote safety of lives and property while building sustainable development,” he said.
Speaking, the Executive Secretary of EBSEMA, Chief Clement Ovuoba, commended the large turnout of participants for the sensitisation, while emphasising proactive approach in disaster management, which focuses on prevention, mitigation and preparation.
Ovuoba urged all the participants to help spread the message of prevention of tanker fire explosions and fire incidents to their various parks, communities, villages and neighbourhoods to ensure that no one is left out in the campaign.
