The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria have voiced concerns over the Federal Government’s planned restriction on large fuel tankers, warning of its impact on fuel distribution and employment in the sector.
The government’s directive, set to take effect on March 1, 2025, prohibits tankers carrying more than 60,000 litres of petroleum products from loading at depots or traveling on federal roads.
By October 1, 2025, the restriction will tighten further, reducing the maximum capacity per truck to 45,000 litres.
Authorities say the move is in response to recurring fuel tanker accidents and explosions, which have claimed 493 lives in three years.
However, NARTO’s National President, Yusuf Othman, cautioned that the restriction could disrupt petroleum supply, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where fuel is predominantly 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.
According to Othman, the potential financial loss to stakeholders, including tanker owners, could exceed ₦300 billion, while about 2,000 drivers, 2,000 motor-boys, and their families may face economic hardship.
To adapt to the policy, NARTO is evaluating modifications to existing trucks.
“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,” he said.
While stating that NARTO is reviewing its official position, Othman stressed that road conditions remain a major factor in tanker-related accidents and urged the government to address the issue.
“We have asked the government what measures they are taking to improve the condition of our roads, as this is another factor contributing to fuel tanker accidents,” he noted.
Othman warned that restricting tanker capacity could lead to reduced fuel supply, particularly in remote areas of northern Nigeria, potentially causing price volatility due to supply-demand imbalances.
“The deregulation of the sector has already made market dynamics unpredictable. It’s difficult to forecast all the possible outcomes, but there will undoubtedly be an effect on the volume and cost of fuel distribution,” he concluded.
Similarly, industry expert Olatide Jeremiah described the ban as a misplaced priority, predicting a rise in petrol prices in northern Nigeria.
“If the ban on 60,000 litres trucks is implemented, the northern part of the country might feel the effect. The reason is that 60 to 70 per cent of petroleum products are supplied from Lagos, mostly Dangote fuel through trucks,” he stated.
PETROAN Urges Tinubu’s Intervention
Meanwhile, PETROAN has called on President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the ban to prevent widespread job losses and financial hardship for stakeholders.
In a statement on Sunday, PETROAN President Billy Gillis-Harry acknowledged the government’s commitment to safety but emphasized the ban’s economic impact.
“The stakeholders’ roundtable that reached the consensus decision was championed by NMDPRA, bringing together key players in the industry, including the Nigerian Association of Road, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, and Directorate of State Services, the Nigeria police, Nigeria security services, the fire service, among others.”
While recognizing the safety benefits, PETROAN highlighted that thousands of trucks owned by NARTO, DAPPMAN, PTD, NUPENG, MEMAN, and PETROAN are affected, putting over 100,000 workers—including drivers, conductors, mechanics, and logistics personnel—at risk of losing their livelihoods.
“While the ban aims to reduce accidents, it may lead to significant job losses and financial losses for truck owners. Notably, members of NARTO, DAPPMAN, PTD, NUPENG, MEMAN, and PETROAN collectively own thousands of trucks affected by the ban. These trucks support over 100,000 employees, including truck drivers, conductors, mechanics, haulage personnel, truck supervisors, and many others who rely directly or indirectly on these trucks for their livelihood.”
Gillis-Harry urged President Tinubu to explore measures that would cushion the economic impact of the policy while ensuring safety on the roads.
“In light of this, the National President of PETROAN is calling on President Tinubu to intervene and mitigate the impact of the ban on affected stakeholders. Dr Harry urges the President to consider measures that will cushion the effects of the ban, particularly on small-scale businesses and truck owners who will be severely affected.”
Despite its reservations, PETROAN ultimately called on all stakeholders to comply with the directive.
“Finally, the National President of PETROAN has called on all stakeholders to comply with the ban accordingly.”
