The Federal Government has introduced a new regulation aimed at improving safety and streamlining the identification of petroleum product transport trucks.
Beginning in May 2025, truck owners are required to paint their vehicles in distinct colors based on the type of product they transport.
This directive, issued by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in partnership with the Unified Petroleum Price Engagement Network, is a response to the increasing number of accidents and fatalities caused by tanker explosions.
According to NMDPRA Authority Chief, Farouk Ahmed, “The colour coding and branding of all tank trucks are part of the broader initiative to reduce risks associated with the transportation of petroleum products.”
Under the new regulation, trucks carrying Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) must be painted light blue and deep yellow, while trucks transporting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) must be painted blue.
Other fuel types, such as Dual Purpose Kerosene, Jet A1, and bio-fuel, will also have their designated colors, including deep yellow, black, and deep green, respectively.
The directive is part of ongoing efforts to address the persistent problem of overloading, which has led to numerous fatalities.
“The penalty for non-compliance will begin on May 1, 2025,” the notice warned, urging all truck owners to comply with the new regulations to avoid disruptions to their operations.
Furthermore, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has focused its enforcement efforts on depots, where loading restrictions limiting tanker capacities to a maximum of 60,000 litres are already in place.
FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide explained, “For now, we are prioritizing compliance at depots due to safety concerns on the highways. Enforcement on the roads will follow in the coming months.”
This latest initiative comes after a series of tragic accidents, including one that claimed the lives of 493 people over the past three years, underscoring the urgent need for safer petroleum transport practices.
