FG Sets Up Special Committee to Tackle Road Accidents Involving Tankers, Trailers

The Federal Government has inaugurated a special committee aimed at identifying and addressing the root causes of road accidents, particularly those involving trailers and tankers, across Nigeria’s highways.

This move was announced by the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, during a stakeholder meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the ministry’s conference room in Abuja. The meeting marked a pivotal step toward enhancing highway safety and safeguarding lives and property across the country.

According to the minister, the committee has been tasked with reviewing current issues contributing to road traffic accidents and providing comprehensive, actionable recommendations. Emphasis was placed on the importance of implementing practical safety measures to curb recurring tragedies on the roads.

The initiative aligns with the transport sector’s prioritization under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, focusing on preventing avoidable incidents that continue to claim lives and destroy property.

The committee has been given a one-week deadline to submit its findings and propose effective solutions. Among its key responsibilities is evaluating the possibility of mandatory training and certification for trailer and tanker drivers to ensure adherence to safety and professional standards.

The newly established committee includes representatives from a wide range of stakeholders: Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Driving School Association of Nigeria (DSAN), Female Drivers Association (FDA), Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), and the Institute of Driving Inspectors of Nigeria (IDIN).

The Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Janet McDickson, expressed confidence that the committee’s efforts would lead to a culture of safety, discipline, and professionalism among heavy-duty vehicle drivers.

The Federal Government is calling on all relevant agencies and associations to fully support and cooperate with the committee in the shared goal of achieving safer roads nationwide.