The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to urgently provide relief materials and medical assistance to victims of Tuesday’s tragic tanker explosion in Niger State, which claimed over 30 lives and left dozens injured.
The call followed a motion of urgent public importance raised during plenary by Hon. Saidu Abdullahi, who represents Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency.
Abdullahi lamented that the incident, which occurred in Essa Village, Katcha Local Government Area, mirrored a similar disaster in January that killed over 100 people near Suleja when a petrol tanker overturned and exploded as residents scooped fuel.
Tuesday’s explosion occurred along a major federal highway linking Niger State to the Federal Capital Territory, a route Abdullahi described as vital for the transportation of petroleum products, agricultural produce, and goods.
He decried the frequent tanker accidents on the corridor, which he said have led to recurring loss of lives, destruction of property, and growing insecurity about the route’s safety.
The lawmaker blamed the tragedy partly on the poor state of the Bida–Agaie–Lapai–Lambata–Diko highway, which he said has remained in deplorable condition for decades despite multiple contracts awarded for its rehabilitation.
He expressed concern over the Federal Government’s recent suspension of the NNPC’s intervention in road projects under the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, warning that such actions could leave critical infrastructure projects like the highway in limbo.
Abdullahi further noted that the persistent neglect of the route has resulted in gridlocks, loss of goods, and severe hardship for commuters and residents.
He emphasized the importance of the corridor to Nigeria’s economic network, linking key agricultural zones to markets and the FCT, and called for immediate and sustainable federal intervention.
Following extensive deliberations, the House adopted the motion through a voice vote presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
The lawmakers resolved to direct the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to deliver relief materials and medical support to affected families.
They also mandated the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to mobilize resources for the immediate rehabilitation and expansion of the highway.
Additionally, the House tasked the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and related agencies to enforce strict compliance with roadworthiness standards and fuel tanker safety protocols.
The Committees on Works, FERMA, FRSC, and Finance were further instructed to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the road and its contractual history, with a report expected within two weeks for further legislative action.
