Mrs. Echeazu addressing participants
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has intensified public sensitisation against tanker fire and fire accidents across states in 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 Enugu Operations Office in collaboration with key stakeholders in Ebonyi.
In her keynote address, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, represented by the Head of NEMA Enugu Operations Office, Mrs Ngozi Echeazu, appreciated all the stakeholders/participants in attendance.
According to Umar, NEMA is focusing on disaster risk reduction knowledge and proactive approach in order to check avoidable loss of lives and destruction of property/environment.
The NEMA boss also cautioned drivers to drive responsible as life have no duplicate and in event of emergency they should demonstrate humanity by saving lives.
She condemned the act of scooping fuel from tanker trucks, taking video of emergency/disaster situations instead of rendering assistance.
Umar highlighted measures that could be taken to prevent tanker fire explosion to include: regular maintenance of the tanker/truck, 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.
Earlier, Gov. Francis Nwifuru, represented by Ebonyi Commissioner for Human Capital Development, Mrs Ann Aligwe, commended NEMA, Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency (EBSEMA) and other stakeholders for their dedication to disaster management.
Nwifuru recalled the unfortunate incident of tanker fire explosion at Ugwu-Onyeama axis along Enugu-Onitsha Expressway on Jan. 25, 2025, which claimed 23 lives; with Ebonyi 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 explosion and fire incidents to their various parks, communities, villages and neighbourhoods and to “ensure that no one is left out.”
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Superintendent Route Commander, Chukwuemeka Ukachukwu, delivered a lecture on
Safe Driving Practices for Tanker Drivers and Other Drivers.
Engr. R. E. Ibiam of State Fire Service (SFS) delivered lecture on Fire Prevention/Management and Fire Extinguishers Handling; while Mr Ifeanyi Egbo of Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), did Practical Demonstration on Administering Basic First Aid Treatment.
During the event, flyers on Fire Prevention Awareness and Tips in both English and Igbo languages were shared to motorist, keke drivers, bystanders and participants.
The participants at the event appreciated NEMA and the agency’s key stakeholders for the sensitisation; while calling for periodic sensitisation and interface between them and the agency.
Participants at the event included: Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), Police, NSCDC, Petroleum Tanker Drivers, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), commercial tricycle operators, town union presidents and community members among others.
