The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners has expressed concern over the potential impact of the Federal Government’s impending ban on large tankers carrying over 60,000 litres of petroleum products.
Also, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and mitigate the impact of the ban on large tankers on those affected.
The ban, set to take effect on March 1, 2025, was announced last week owing to the recurring accidents and explosions due to overloaded trucks which led to the death of 493 persons in three years.
NARTO’s National President, Yusuf Othman, told one of our correspondents that the restriction would reduce the supply of petroleum products, especially in Northern Nigeria, which relies heavily on products transported from Southern depots.
“The ban, which takes effect from March 1, 2025, will prevent trucks carrying more than 60,000 litres from loading at depots and travelling on federal roads. By October 1, 2025, the restriction will be further reduced to 45,000 litres per truck,” Othman explained.
He noted that NARTO is reviewing the situation and working closely with its members to assess the potential financial losses, which could amount to over N300bn in investments.
Othman also expressed concern over the livelihoods of approximately 2,000 drivers, 2,000 motor-boys, and their families who could be directly affected by the changes.
He noted that the association is also considering the option of reducing the capacity of the affected tanker through fabrication.
“We are exploring options such as fabricating smaller tankers to comply with the new regulations. We are also looking into how we can tap into the Federal Government’s policy on Compressed Natural Gas and associated infrastructure development,” Othman said.
“In a few days, we will have a clearer position on the matter, but for now, we have taken the government’s directive in good faith.”