The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has reassured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains committed to maintaining a steady supply and smooth distribution of petroleum products across the country.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Warri, Mr. Victor Ohwodiasa, Delta Coordinator for NMDPRA, emphasized the government’s concern about truck-in-transit accidents and delays that increase operational costs in the oil and gas sector.
“There is no cause for alarm, government is doing everything possible to ensure there is sustained product supply and the products are distributed without hitches,” Ohwodiasa stated.
The meeting, held under the ‘Safe-To-Load Initiative,’ focused on measures like documentation, colour coding, and branding of petroleum trucks to enhance safety and efficiency. Ohwodiasa explained, “The NMDPRA is enforcing colour coding and branding of trucks for easy identification of the product the truck is conveying.”
The colour codes include light blue for Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), a mix of deep yellow and light blue for Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and deep yellow for Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), all displayed at a height of 75 cm on trucks.
Highlighting a key regulatory point, Ohwodiasa referenced Section 48 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), urging for ongoing collaboration: “Any government ministry, department or agency exercising any power or function which may impact NMDPRA operations should consult with the Authority.”
In an effort to reduce accidents, the authority plans to reduce the maximum loading capacity of petroleum trucks from 60,000 litres to 45,000 litres in the future.
Emergency response has also been strengthened with toll-free numbers 112 and 122 made available for reporting accidents promptly.Mr. Duke Obaro, Chairman of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) in Delta, praised the initiative, noting the importance of the expanded stakeholder engagement involving security agencies and industry representatives to align on implementation and monitoring.
The NMDPRA confirmed these regular stakeholder meetings will continue to ensure awareness and smooth operation within the petroleum sector.
