The Federal Government is committed to improving the distribution of petroleum products and addressing the frequent petrol tanker explosions that have claimed lives and destroyed property across Nigeria, according to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.
Senator Lokpobiri made these remarks in Abuja during a visit by the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed. He identified the country’s reliance on road transport for petroleum distribution as a key cause of the tanker explosions, attributing the problem to Nigeria’s aging pipeline infrastructure and lack of investment in the downstream sector.
“Ordinarily, petroleum products should be transported through pipelines to depots closer to consumers, but many of our pipelines have exceeded their lifespan. Replacing them is extremely capital-intensive,” Lokpobiri explained.
He noted that efforts are underway to resolve the issue, pointing out that a lack of investment in the oil sector, due to governance uncertainties and delays in passing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), has worsened the situation.
Lokpobiri highlighted that the PIA, first introduced by President Yar’Adua in 2007, was only passed in 2021, causing investors to hesitate. However, he emphasized the government’s determination to create a stable environment for investment.
The minister further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting local refineries and ensuring an efficient distribution system in the downstream sector. This includes utilizing technology to protect pipelines from vandalism.
Earlier, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed thanked the minister for his support and urged greater collaboration between the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to enhance road safety and improve petroleum product distribution nationwide
