Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in what seems like another voice crying in the wilderness, has urged the Nigerian government to review its outdated methods for transporting petroleum products. This comes in the wake of yet another avoidable tanker explosion—because, in Nigeria, explosions from petrol tankers aren’t exactly news anymore, just a tragic cycle. But Atiku’s solution? Rail transport. A sensible idea, right? Not for a government that’s apparently allergic to listening.
What They Are saying
Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday to emphasize the need for Nigeria to adopt rail transportation for moving highly flammable products like petrol and diesel.
In his statement, Atiku also extended his condolences to the victims of the latest disaster: a petrol tanker explosion in Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State. This tragic event, much like others before it, claimed multiple lives and left dozens severely injured.
“The incident in Jigawa is just one of too many petrol tanker explosions we’ve witnessed in this country,” Atiku said, expressing what most Nigerians are already painfully aware of. He added, “It’s high time we explored other means, like rail, for transporting petroleum products.”
He went further, suggesting the need to train drivers responsible for transporting these dangerous goods. Perhaps an upgrade in safety protocols might reduce the frequency of these ticking time bombs we call tankers, rolling down poorly maintained roads.
Atiku offered his “grief” to the people and government of Jigawa State, urging immediate rescue and treatment efforts. “No resource should be spared in treating the injured,” he said, though the reality on the ground often tells a different story. He also sympathized with the families of the deceased, offering prayers for their comfort.
Why It Matters
Meanwhile, over 140 victims of this latest tanker explosion were hurriedly buried on Wednesday, while about 90 more are clinging to life in hospitals across the state. The explosion, which occurred just past midnight on Tuesday, happened when the driver, likely speeding on the country’s perilous roads—lost control near Khadija University in Majiya. The tanker, headed from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, had overturned, and as is often the case, local residents rushed to scoop up the spilt petrol. Tragically, this desperate act triggered the explosion that would claim lives and leave others scarred for life.
Bottom Line
While Atiku’s call for a shift to rail transport makes perfect sense, the bigger question remains: Is Nigeria even ready for sensible change? If history is any indicator, the sound of silence from those in power is deafening.
