PTD Mourns Enugu Tanker Explosion Victims, Pleads For Rehabilitation Of Bad Roads, Stakeholders Engagement

The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has expressed sadness over the tragic tanker explosion at the Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway that claimed lives. 

It would be recalled that the incident happened Saturday morning, January 25, 2025 around 11:30 a.m. when a fuel-laden tanker overturned while navigating the hilly, deplorable and busy expressway.

The PTD National Chairman, Comrade Lucky Osesua made this reaction on Monday, January 27, 2025 at the exit door of the Federal High Court FCT, Abuja when accosted by some journalists.

Osesua, who initially did not want to talk but was persuaded by the newmen eventually spoke very briefly, but later pleaded for understanding that he needed to attend another meeting at the city centre.

The PTD Chair was in company of his lawyers and other National excos including Comrade Dayyabu Garga, Comrade (Chief) Peter Muodebelu, fondly called ONWA, Comrade (Dr) Humble Obinna Power, Comrade Olabisi Akinlolu etc.

Osesua noted that the horrible incident was unfortunate and very heartbreaking, while also appealing to both State and Federal Governments to intensify efforts to fix all bad portions of the roads across the country to avoid recurrence of accidents which can claim lives and render citizens incapacitated.

The Union leader also used the opportunity to express his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and the government of Enugu State including the governor, His Excellency Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, adding that the incident was a reminder of the need to enhance safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

"When I received the news on Saturday, I quickly called all my executives to put all necessary machinery in motion to mitigate the collateral damage the incident could have on the community and other road users, and I must commend Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for visiting the accident scene and promising support for the victims. This is highly commendable. The Enugu State Fire and Rescue Service operatives were also very professional, patriotic and committed in helping to put out the inferno in the nick of time.

"Meanwhile, I am also using this opportunity to beg the State Governments and the Federal Government, especially the Federal Ministry of Works to intensify their efforts in fixing all bad portions of our roads across the country, this will truly help to ensure safety of lives and properties.

"On our part as critical stakeholders we would ensure that maximum safety standards are not compromised and that is what we have always been doing and known for, we won't relent in doing this. It will also not be out of place for our government and other relevant authorities to implement additional safety measures and I must emphasize again on rehabilitation of our roads, including safety of tanker drivers who are often attacked by criminals whilst discharging their legitimate duties. PTD and their mother Union NUPENG will continue to work tirelessly with every agency saddled with the responsibility of enhancing safety, security and enforcement of law on the road for our overall good."

The PTD leader further prayed that the good Lord would grant the souls of the departed eternal rest in His kingdom.