Reps Blame Bad Roads, Poor Safety Enforcement for Tanker Explosions in Niger State

The House of Representatives has attributed the recurring tanker explosions and fatal road accidents in Niger State to the deplorable state of the Bida–Agaie–Lapai–Lambata–Diko Road and weak enforcement of safety standards.

This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Rt. Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi (SMA), representing Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency.

Abdullahi, while presenting the motion during plenary on Wednesday, lamented the recent tanker explosion at Essa Village in Katcha Local Government Area, which claimed more than 30 lives, injured over 40 others, and destroyed vehicles, livestock, and goods worth millions of naira.

He described the road as a major federal route linking Niger State to the Federal Capital Territory and other regions, serving as a vital corridor for petroleum and agricultural transportation. The lawmaker expressed dismay that despite multiple contracts awarded for its rehabilitation over the years, the road remains in terrible condition.

Abdullahi further regretted that the cancellation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)’s road intervention scheme had thrown the project into uncertainty, worsening the plight of motorists and traders.

“The continued neglect of this highway has turned it into a death trap, causing frequent gridlocks, accidents, and destruction of goods,” he said.

Adopting the motion, the House directed the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to immediately begin the rehabilitation and expansion of the road, particularly the Bida–Agaie section.

It also mandated the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to enforce strict safety standards for tanker and heavy-duty vehicle operations, while urging the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials and medical aid to victims of the Essa Village explosion.

The Committees on Works, FERMA, FRSC, and Finance were instructed to assess the project’s status and report back within two weeks for further legislative action.