Nigeria: A tanker truck explodes, killing at least 70 people. A crowd was trying to recover fuel that had become precious in a country in crisis. Precariousness pushes you to take risks and risk your life. A drama that raises many questions…
A terrible tragedy occurred Saturday morning in central Nigeria. A tanker carrying 60,000 liters of petrol has overturned on a road linking Abuja to Kaduna. A large crowd then gathered around to try to recover the precious fuel that was escaping. But suddenly the truck caught fire, causing a devastating explosion. The provisional toll shows at least 70 deaths.
A scene of horror
According to testimonies collected on site, the scene was apocalyptic. The majority of victims were burned beyond recognition. A second tanker truck that was nearby was also engulfed in flames. Images of the accident show a landscape of desolation, with charred vehicle carcasses and debris scattered on the ground.
The economic crisis in the background
This tragic accident highlights the extremely precarious situation in which many Nigerians find themselves. For a year and a half, the country has been going through a major economic crisis. Inflation exceeds 30%, fuel and food prices are soaring.
This situation pushes part of the population to take all the risks to try to survive. As in this accident, where dozens of people rushed to collect a few liters of gasoline, even if it meant putting their lives in danger. An act of desperation that speaks volumes about the daily difficulties faced by the most vulnerable Nigerians.
Economic reforms singled out
For many observers, this crisis situation is attributable to the economic reforms carried out by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since he came to power in May 2023. And in particular his decision to end fuel subsidies, which led to a surge in price at the pump.
The elimination of subsidies was necessary to consolidate public finances. But it has very serious consequences on the daily lives and purchasing power of Nigerians.
explains a local economist
The government assures that these reforms will bear fruit in the long term. But in the meantime, a whole part of the population is suffering and fighting for its day-to-day survival.
-A country plagued by food insecurity
Beyond the surge in fuel prices, Nigeria’s entire food security is now under threat. A report published at the end of 2022 by UN agencies and large NGOs warns that more than 33 million Nigerians could suffer from hunger in 2025 if the situation does not improve.
Malnutrition is gaining ground, particularly in rural areas and among displaced populations. There is an urgent need to act.
explains an official of the World Food Program (WFP) in Nigeria
A heavy human and environmental toll
Beyond the appalling human toll, Saturday’s explosion also caused heavy material and environmental damage. The gasoline spilled on the ground certainly polluted the surrounding soil and groundwater. An ecological impact that could be felt for years.
Unfortunately, this type of accident is far from isolated in Nigeria. Last September, a collision between a tanker and a transport truck had already left 59 dead in the same Niger state. In 2022, authorities have recorded more than 1,500 accidents involving tankers in the country.
A call for responsibility from authorities and citizens
Faced with this new tragedy, Niger State Governor Umaru Bago called on the population to show responsibility and always give priority to their security. But beyond individual behavior, it is also up to the authorities to take their responsibilities.
Many voices are being raised to demand concrete actions to improve road safety, better regulate the transport of dangerous materials and fight against the precariousness that pushes so many Nigerians to risk their lives. Immense challenges for a country of 220 million inhabitants which is struggling to emerge from the crisis.
