The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, has condemned the scooping of fuel from a fallen tanker in Apapa, Lagos, calling for the act to be criminalised.
Issa-Onilu made the call in a statement issued on Monday by the agency’s Director of Communications, Bala Musa, in Abuja.
He described fuel scooping as unacceptable in modern society, saying it poses extreme and preventable risks to human life, public safety, and national infrastructure.
“The risks extend beyond those directly involved. Motorists, nearby communities, emergency responders, and critical assets are all endangered, far outweighing any perceived benefit.
“Over the years, we have deployed nationwide sensitisation campaigns to educate Nigerians on the dangers of fuel scooping and other high-risk behaviours.
“Regrettably, despite warnings and value-reorientation efforts, some individuals persist in this life-threatening conduct. Poverty does not justify reckless behaviour or disregard for self-preservation,” he said.
Issa-Onilu recalled previous tragedies linked to tanker accidents and fuel scooping, which he said had resulted in explosions and the deaths of hundreds of people.
“I urge the National Assembly to enact legislation criminalising fuel scooping from fallen tankers, with clear, deterrent penalties for offenders.
“Sustained public education must now be reinforced by strong legal and enforcement frameworks to end this deadly behaviour decisively,” he said.
He added that Nigerians must collectively reject actions that lead to mass casualties and preventable loss of life.
“Human life is sacred and priceless. No situation, excuse, or momentary gain justifies conduct that places lives in imminent danger,” Issa-Onilu said.
PUNCH Online reports that a diesel tanker overturned on Monday in Apapa at Liverpool Bridge, inward Mile 2, blocking commuters from passing the road.
Residents were seen scooping diesel from the tanker.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency issued a warning and cautioned members of the public against dangerous behaviour around the incident scene.
NAN
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