By Abbas Bamalli
The National Emergency Management Agency NEMA, has organised a one-day sensitisation and public awareness campaign aimed at preventing disasters related to petrol tanker accidents in Katsina.
The exercise which held in two segments in Katsina on Friday featured a stakeholders’ meeting, and also a direct community engagement, particularly targeting tanker drivers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Director-General (DG) of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaidah Umar, was represented by the Head of Operations of the agency, Kaduna Office, Malam Sulaiman Muhammad.
According to the DG, the campaign was aimed at educating key stakeholders and the public on the dangers associated with tanker-related fire incidents and emergencies.
“Over the past years, we have witnessed a disturbing rise in tanker-related accidents across Nigeria, many leading to deadly fires, loss of lives, and destruction of livelihoods.
“Katsina State is not exempted. These incidents often happen in busy areas such as markets, highways, or near fuel depots where the impact is most devastating. These accidents are mostly preventable.
“Over-speeding, poor vehicle maintenance, lack of safety training for drivers, and failure to enforce road regulations, all contribute to this growing threat.
“We must act now by strengthening safety checks and monitoring of fuel tankers on our roads,” she emphasised.
She noted that partnering with transport unions and security agencies to enforce movement restrictions during high-risk hours are also some of the measures.
According to Umar, other measures included organising regular safety drills and public awareness campaigns, especially in tanker-prone communities.
The NEMA boss added that, “There’s also the need for the training of first responders and equipping them to deal with fire outbreaks quickly and effectively.
“Fire disasters from tanker explosions are fast, fierce, and fatal, therefore, prevention must begin with strict compliance and strong community awareness.”
On the issue of flooding, she stated that the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook shows that Katsina is not at high risk of major riverine floods, but flash floods remain a concern, especially in areas with poor drainage.
According to the NEMA DG “We must not be complacent. Public sensitisation, drainage clearance, and early warning remain essential.
“Let me emphasise that disaster management is not the job of one agency. It takes all of us government bodies, transport unions, community leaders, media, and the public to prevent these avoidable tragedies.
“Let us commit to protecting Katsina from fire outbreaks and floods, not after the damage is done, but by acting before they happen.”
In his remarks, the state’s deputy governor, Alhaji Faruq Lawal-Jobe commended NEMA for orgasming the sensitisation campaign, which he said, came at the right time.
Represented by Alhaji Mannir Aliyu-Mani, a Permanent Secretary, in the office of the deputy governor assured to always collaborate with partners, especially NEMA, in responding to any emergency situation.
Hajiya Binta Dangani, the Executive Secretary of the state emergency management agency, said the awareness campaign will go a long way in enlightening the public on the dangers of approaching an accident petrol tanker.
NAN
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