By Nigeria witnessed a sharp and tragic rise in tanker explosion deaths in 2024, making it the deadliest year ever recorded for such accidents. Official data shows that 266 people lost their lives in tanker-related explosions, surpassing all previous records.
The worst single incident took place on October 15, 2024, in Majiya, Jigawa State, where a fuel tanker explosion killed 209 people and left 124 others injured. The scale of the tragedy shook the nation and drew attention to worsening safety conditions.
Another major accident occurred in Benue State in July 2024, resulting in at least 45 deaths and more than 100 injuries. Combined, these disasters painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s road safety and fuel transportation risks.
Experts have blamed poor enforcement of transport regulations, badly maintained vehicles, and unsafe practices by drivers for the alarming spike in tanker explosions. Communities living along major fuel transport routes have become especially vulnerable.
As authorities promise stricter regulations and better oversight, grieving families and survivors say urgent action is needed to prevent more preventable deaths. Many are calling for safer roads, tougher penalties for negligence, and better emergency response systems.
With 2024 now marked as a year of tragic records, Nigerians are left hoping that lessons from these painful losses will finally lead to meaningful reforms in tanker safety across the country.
