The Upper chamber of the National Assembly has called for an investigation into the fatal tanker explosion that occurred on Otedola bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway on the 28th of July, claiming the lives of not less than 12 people.
The Red Chamber demanded an investigation into the accident after a motion was raised by Senator Gbenga Ashafa, supported by senators Oluremi Tinubu and Solomon Adeola.
The Senate directed its appropriate committee to meet with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to find a lasting solution to sporadic incidents of petrol tanker explosions in the country.
The Senate’s committee will work with both organisations – FRSC and NNPC – to create strategies to ensure that mandatory safety checks are put in place to ascertain the roadworthiness of the trucks, before they are loaded with flammable substances like petrol, kerosene and gas.
The Senate said: “We urge the Nigeria Police to work in conjunction with the FRSC to carry out a thorough investigation of the circumstances leading to the accident that led to the fuel tanker fire, with the view to prosecuting anyone found culpable in this preventable fire incident.”
“The relevant committees of the Senate should invite the FRSC and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation with a view to finding a legislative solution towards ensuring that, before trucks are loaded, mandatory safety checks are put in place to ascertain the condition of the tankers and the roadworthiness of the vehicles.”
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