The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Rivers State Command, in collaboration with the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), held a Town Hall Meeting yesterday, at the NUPENG PTD State Secretariat in Rivers State to address the critical issue of tanker crashes and explore preventive measures.
FRSC, Rivers State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Inyang Umoh, attributed crashes to mechanical faults, driver fatigue, speeding, and poor vehicle maintenance and emphasised the need for routine vehicle checks, driver training, and stricter enforcement of regulations.
NUPENG National Secretary and Stock Gap Depot Chairman, Comrade Oluchi Chinagorom, expressed concerns about the behaviour of law enforcement agents towards tanker drivers and the need for improved internal discipline and safety compliance for better welfare and capacity-building workshops for drivers.
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The meeting, themed “Tanker Crash and Prevention,” aimed to tackle the rising incidence of tanker-related accidents through stakeholder engagement and public safety education.
The event featured a keynote lecture on tanker crashes and the way forward, delivered by the CRC TSO. An interactive session followed, allowing drivers to seek clarifications on various issues.
The Town Hall Meeting was well-attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including officers from the FRSC, executives and members of NUPENG PTD, representatives from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), officials from the Nigerian Association of Transport Owners (NATO), and media representatives.
The FRSC and NUPENG PTD’s collaborative effort underscores a commitment to enhancing road safety and reducing tanker-related incidents in Rivers State.
