Purpose
To provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges and solutions for enhancing petroleum transportation safety.
Presentations
Opening Addresses:
- Huub Stokman – Chairman of MEMAN
- Olufemi Adewole – ES of DAPPMAN, representing the Chairman of DAPPMAN
Welcoming Remarks:
Yusuf Lawal Othman – President of NARTO
Keynote Address:
Honourable Heineken Lokpobiri – Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil)
Goodwill Message:
Abel Igheghe- Representing the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas)
Speakers:
- Dr Mustapha Lamorde – Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment, and Community, NMDPRA
- Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry – President of PETROAN
- Abubakar Maigandi Shettima – President of IPMAN
Presentation by:
Okechukwu Osuagwu – Chairman of the MEMAN Transport Committee
Closing Remarks:
Clement Isong – CEO/ES, MEMAN
Moderator:
Adelanke Dayo-Adepoju – MEMAN
The webinar, titled “Improving Safe Transportation of Petroleum Products,” convened key industry leaders, government representatives, and stakeholders to discuss challenges and solutions for enhancing petroleum transportation safety. Experts from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) shared insights on mitigating risks such as accidents, spills, fires, and environmental hazards.
Ministerial Engagement
Honourable Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), underscored the need for improved safety standards, emphasizing:
- Stronger collaboration among stakeholders
- Government support for infrastructure development
- Enhanced regulatory enforcement
- Adoption of safer transportation methods
Mr Abel Igheghe, representing the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), reinforced the government’s commitment to safety through infrastructure investments and regulation.
Contributions from Regulatory and Industry Leaders
Dr. Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment, and Community at the NMDPRA, emphasized the authority’s role in enforcing safety policies and ensuring industry-wide compliance.
Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, President of PETROAN, highlighted the importance of private-sector engagement, while Mr Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, President of IPMAN, called for investment in safer fleet vehicles and road infrastructure improvements.
Additionally, Mr. Yusuf Lawal Othman, President of NARTO, emphasized the need for a collective industry effort to improve safety standards. He stressed the importance of driver training and public awareness to prevent fuel scooping during truck crashes.
Industry and Government Collaboration
Mr. Olufemi Adewole, representing the Chairman of DAPPMAN, highlighted collaborations with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for driver training and safety enforcement. He advocated for government-backed low-interest loans to help truck owners upgrade their fleets.
Addressing Industry Transportation Challenges
Mr Huub Stokman, Chairman of MEMAN, discussed critical challenges in petroleum transportation, particularly ageing truck fleets and poor road infrastructure. He introduced MEMAN’s initiative, through its members, to deploy 500 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks equipped with advanced safety features such as anti-slip mechanisms, cameras, and onboard computers. Stokman emphasized the importance of transitioning to safer and cleaner transportation alternatives.
Key Industry Contributions
Mr. Okechukwu Osuagwu, Chairman of the MEMAN Transport Committee, analysed industry challenges and called for:
- Truck safety upgrades and enhanced driver training
- Mandatory truck integrity checks before loading at depots
- Stricter policy enforcement on trucks exceeding 45,000 litres
- Public enlightenment and improved emergency response systems
- Pipeline rehabilitation and expansion to reduce reliance on road transport
Key Safety Measures Discussed
The webinar highlighted several initiatives to enhance petroleum transportation safety:
- Driver Monitoring & Intelligent Cameras – Cockpit sensors now track driver fatigue and distractions.
- Journey Management – Drivers receive briefings on hazardous routes and prepare for potential impediments.
- Comprehensive Driver Training – Regular defensive driving and emergency response training in collaboration with FRSC.
- Vehicle Safety Inspections – Mandatory pre-loading truck integrity checks at all depots.
- Regulatory Collaboration – Strengthening coordination between regulators, government agencies, logistics firms, and industry stakeholders.
- Government & Policy Support – Calls for infrastructure investment and pipeline development.
- Public Awareness – Educating rural communities on the dangers of fuel scooping and emergency response procedures.
Future Safety Efforts and Call to Action
The session concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Clement Isong, CEO/ES of MEMAN, and a call for:
- Stronger policy enforcement and regular driver assessments.
- Mandatory periodic training and enhanced monitoring systems.
- Stricter road regulations and improved checkpoint discipline.
- Greater investment in alternative transport methods, such as pipelines.
- Public education campaigns to prevent unsafe practices like fuel scooping.
Conclusion
The webinar reaffirmed that safety in petroleum transportation is a shared responsibility. Achieving a safer and more sustainable system requires continuous collaboration, innovation, and stringent regulatory enforcement. Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to fostering industry-wide improvements, driving long-term safety, efficiency, and sustainability in Nigeria’s petroleum transport sector.