The Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association (ROSOWA) has called on Nigerians to refrain from rushing to collect fuel from fallen petroleum tankers, describing the act as a dangerous and deadly behavior that must be discouraged.
Dr. Nefisat Shehu-Mohammed, the President of ROSOWA, made the appeal at a send-off ceremony in Abuja in honor of her predecessor, Hajiya Aisha Ladi-Biu, on Saturday.
In the last two months, at least three tanker explosions have occurred—two in Niger State and one in Enugu State—resulting in numerous fatalities. As a result, the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Abdulganiyu Jaji, has urged fuel tanker drivers to implement anti-spill locks to prevent fuel leaks and minimize the risk of explosions on major highways.
Dr. Shehu-Mohammed emphasized that true change must start at the community level, where awareness about the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers should be raised.
“We need to educate the public, especially at the grassroots level, about the dangers of this practice,” she said. “I cannot understand why people still rush to scoop fuel, fully aware of the imminent danger. Fuel is highly flammable, and even the smallest mistake can lead to a deadly fire. People must understand the importance of staying away and allowing emergency responders and security personnel to handle such situations.”
Additionally, Dr. Shehu-Mohammed expressed concern about the rising number of underage drivers on the roads. She noted that this is one of the reasons the association is planning to launch an awareness campaign in secondary schools nationwide.
“Underage driving is a serious problem in our society, and we are committed to reducing it to the minimum. I don’t understand why parents allow their underage children to drive when they have not reached the legal driving age,” she said. “Secondary schools are a key focus for us. This is where we can engage with young people, educate them, and advocate for them to understand that they should not drive until they are at least 18 years old.”
During the ceremony, Chidi Nkwota, the Deputy Marshal in charge of training at the Federal Road Safety Corps, urged ROSOWA members to avoid internal divisions within the association. He warned that forming cliques and factions could undermine the organization’s mission.
“As ROSOWA members, avoid forming cliques or factions based on loyalties,” Nkwota said. “Do not say, ‘I am a loyalist of Mrs. Oyeyemi’ or ‘I support Mrs. Biu.’ ROSOWA is one entity. Management is a continuum. As you can see today, four past presidents are sitting together in unity. If they can come together to organize this event, there should be no room for divisions among you. Respect each other and avoid backstabbing or infighting. We stand with you.”
