Adinuba
Following the frequent breakdown of petroleum-laden tankers in Onitsha and the recent tanker explosion, which claimed lives and properties there, the government has decided to impose time for movement of trucks carrying petroleum products within the state.
The restriction order came after a similar truck broke down in Onitsha on Thursday.
According to Mr C. Don Adinuba, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, the order has become necessary “following the incessant collapse of trucks carrying petroleum products in Anambra State in recent times, including one which happened in Onitsha earlier ton Thursday.”
He said that with effect from Saturday, November 2, such vehicles could be allowed to move within Anambra State from only 8 pm to 5 am.
“The restriction is to enable agencies like the Anambra State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Civil Defence the Anambra Traffic Management Agency and indeed all other security, law enforcement and safety agencies to respond effectively and in good time to emergencies created by such accidents which sometimes result in conflagrations, as was the case in Onitsha on Wednesday, October 16, 2019, when a tanker laded with a petroleum product fell on the Enugu-Onitsha Highway and caused a fire that spread up to Ochanga Market through the open drainage.
“The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Police Force and ALL other security agencies have therefore been directed to religiously enforce the restriction order on the movement of trucks carrying petroleum products in the state. They have also been directed to ensure that such vehicles do not exceed the speed limit of 90 kilometres per hour.
Adinuba added; “Any violation of either the time restriction order or the speed limit will be punished accordingly. The protection of the life and asset of every person in Anambra State cannot be compromised.
He urged stakeholders, including oil marketers, workers, tanker drivers and those in the downstream oil sector to bear with the state and help to adhere to this regulation.
