Muhammad Garba
The State Minister for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, said the Jigawa tanker explosion which killed over 170 and injured 74 others was a wake-up call for enforcing more safety measures in the transportation of petroleum and other inflammable products in the country.
He stated this when he paid a condolence visit to Jigawa state Governor Malam Umar Namadi, the families of the victims, and all the good people of the state.
The Minister said: “The tragic incident touched the mind of anyone with a spirit of humanity in Nigeria, described it as a national disaster.”
Senator Lokpobiri told Governor Namadi that, the precious lives of over 170 young men in a single incident is a high source of concern and all hands must be on deck to find a lasting solution to the tanker explosion in Nigeria.
He then prays Almighty Allah to grant the departed souls eternal rest in paradise, quick recovery to those sustained injuries, and give the immediate families fortitude to bear the loss.
The Minister however visited the scene of the accident in Majiya town and met the families of the deceased for condolences and physical assessment.
In his remarks, Governor Malam Umar Namadi thanked the Minister for the visit and described it as signed of humanity love, and friendship to the Jigawa people.
He told the minister that, the National Association of Transport Owners (NATO) had submitted a proposal to him which included a Road -map on how to enhance safety measures in petroleum transportation including redesigning the tanks.
Governor Namadi then urged the minister to consult them for inputs on the new effective safety measures for transporting inflammable products in Nigeria.
