Ibadan: The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sounded a stern warning to motorists, stressing that carrying petrol-filled kegs alongside passengers poses a grave fire hazard capable of causing tragic loss of lives and property.
According to the agency’s Ibadan Office Head of Operations, Mr Kadiri Olanrewaju, a small spark or heat could ignite the petrol, leading to loss of lives and property.
Olanrewaju said this on Wednesday during a NEMA-organised stakeholders’ sensitisation campaign at major motor parks within the Ibadan metropolis.
The stakeholders include the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Federal Fire Service, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Others are the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYTMA) and the Oyo State Park Management System (PMS).
Olanrewaju said that the campaign, tagged “Operation Eagle Eye”, aimed to enlighten drivers about the hazards of dangerous and distracted driving, especially during the Yuletide.
He noted that a small error by a driver could end in injury or loss of life, plunging families into sorrow.
“The Yuletide season always brings about a rush; many drivers will want to make extra trips to earn money, which can lead to fatigue and road crashes.
“At this time, it is necessary to caution drivers against taking drugs and alcohol while driving.
“We also want them to avoid night‑time journeys, excessive speed and other attitudes that can lead to road traffic crashes,” he said.
The Deputy Director of SEMA, Mrs Motunrayo Adeniji, urged drivers to prioritise their safety and that of other road users over the money they hope to make during the festive rush.
According to her, only those who arrive at their destinations safely can think of spending money.
Similarly, the Assistant Superintendent of Fire, Adedoyin Adebiyi, urged drivers to ensure their vehicles are equipped with functional fire extinguishers.
He said that in an emergency, this would prevent fire from escalating into a major disaster.
He also reiterated the dangers of carrying spare petrol in kegs while travelling.
The FRSC Chief Route Commander, Denis Ogbebor, urged park managers not to allow vehicles without good and spare tyres, headlamps, jacks, and other necessary equipment to operate within their parks.
He highlighted the importance of allowing only drivers with valid licences to operate within the park.
Ogbebor added that every passenger must ensure their manifest contains accurate information for easy tracing when necessary.
On his part, the NSCDC Chief Superintendent of Corps, Kehinde Solagbade, urged motorists to be vigilant and security-conscious while driving, especially at night.
“If a vehicle is not coming from the opposite direction as usual, drivers should take caution.
“They should also avoid waiting for passengers at black spots; this may be a setup by criminals,” he said.
The campaign took place at the Iwo Road Bus Terminal One and Two, and the Ojoo Bus Terminal.