Call for enforcement follows Abuja tanker explosion

The Nation Online has reported that the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Abdulganiyu Olola Jaji, has called for a ban on articulated vehicles operating during high-traffic hours in Nigeria.

Jaji made the statement during a visit to victims of a recent tanker explosion at Karu Bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Road.

The incident resulted in over 10 fatalities and multiple vehicles destroyed by fire.

He proposed that articulated vehicles be restricted from moving during early mornings and evenings, when traffic congestion is highest.

Tanker crash caused multiple fatalities and vehicle damage

The explosion occurred after a tanker driver lost control and collided with other vehicles in traffic, leading to a fire that killed over 10 people and burned several vehicles.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the incident.

Jaji visited three injured individuals, including Inspector of Police Rachael Chukwuemeka, at Cedacrest Hospital in Abuja.

The hospital confirmed that the victims are in stable condition.

Safety enforcement urged among security agencies

Jaji called on law enforcement agencies to take a unified approach to enforcing road safety regulations.

He said: “What is important is enforcement of safety rules on our roads.

“All the security agencies, especially the Road Safety, the Fire Service and the Police among others should come together to ensure strict adherence to road safety rules and regulations.”

He added that some road accidents are caused by reckless driving by tanker operators and called for stronger enforcement.

Jaji highlights challenges in emergency response

Jaji pointed to difficulties the Fire Service faces in responding to emergencies without timely notifications.

He said: “Fire Service can not be everywhere.

“If we are in our office we might not know what will happen in the next hour and if nobody calls us on time we might not be able to help.

“That’s why some people will say Fire Service doesn’t respond quickly, they forget that we are not magicians.”

He emphasised the importance of prevention over response, saying it is more cost-effective to prevent fire than manage its consequences.

Federal Fire Service chief calls for Nigeria road safety enforcement after Abuja tanker explosion: Summary

The Nation Online has reported that Federal Fire Service Controller General Abdulganiyu Olola Jaji visited victims of a tanker explosion in Abuja that resulted in more than 10 deaths.

The incident happened on the Abuja-Keffi Road after a tanker driver lost control and hit vehicles in a traffic jam.

Jaji called for a ban on articulated vehicles during peak traffic hours and urged law enforcement agencies to enforce road safety rules.

He visited three injured victims, including a police officer, at Cedacrest Hospital in Abuja, where the hospital confirmed they were stable.

Jaji attributed some road accidents to driver recklessness and stressed the need for enforcement.

He also highlighted that the Fire Service depends on prompt notification to respond and emphasised the cost-effectiveness of prevention over mitigation.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the explosion.