Federal Government Bans Night Driving for Fuel Tankers Nationwide, Effective Immediately

 

In a bold move aimed at reducing the rising number of fatal road crashes involving fuel tankers, the Federal Government today announced a nationwide ban on night-time operations for petroleum tanker drivers, effective immediately.

The directive, which was made public by the Minister of Transport during a press briefing in Abuja, prohibits all fuel tankers from operating on Nigerian roads between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., beginning tonight.

According to the ministry, the decision follows months of stakeholder consultations and recent data from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which shows that over 60% of tanker-related accidents in the past year occurred during night hours.

“We can no longer turn a blind eye to the devastation caused by fuel tanker crashes at night,”said Minister of Transport, Dr. Alhassan Dogo. “Lives have been lost, properties destroyed, and communities traumatized. This ban is necessary, urgent, and long overdue.”

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The policy is receiving backing from the FRSC, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and key petroleum unions including NARTO and NUPENG, who say they were part of the deliberation and will ensure compliance among their members.

The government also warned that any tanker found violating the ban will be impounded immediately, and its operator may face license suspension or revocation.

Communities along major highways including the Lagos Ibadan Expressway, Abuja Kaduna route, and Port Harcourt Enugu corridor have welcomed the announcement, citing the dangers they’ve long endured from reckless night driving and frequent tanker explosions.

“This is good news for Nigerians,” said Comfort Onu, a roadside food vendor in Ore, Ondo State. “We’ve witnessed too many deaths. Let them drive during the day when everyone can see what’s happening.”

The Ministry of Petroleum has assured fuel depot operators that necessary adjustments will be made to ensure steady distribution of products without creating fuel shortages.

Meanwhile, enforcement agencies across the country have been instructed to begin immediate road checks and surveillance to ensure the policy is adhered to.

This marks the first major road safety regulation of 2025, and the government says more measures are on the way to protect commuters, especially as traffic is expected to increase during the rainy season.