The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has strongly condemned the dangerous act of scooping fuel from a fallen tanker at Liverpool Bridge, Apapa, Lagos State, warning that the practice poses grave risks to human lives, public safety, and critical infrastructure.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, January 20, drew public attention after individuals were seen collecting fuel from the crashed tanker despite the obvious danger of fire or explosion. Issa-Onilu described the action as “completely unacceptable in a modern society,” stressing that it endangers not only those involved but also motorists, nearby residents, emergency responders, and the surrounding environment.
In a statement issued by the NOA’s Director of Communication and Media, Bala Musa, the agency noted that it has consistently carried out nationwide sensitisation and public enlightenment campaigns to educate Nigerians on the dangers of fuel scooping. However, the persistence of the practice, despite repeated warnings, was described by the DG as a “conscious, reckless, and criminal disregard for human life and public safety.”
Issa-Onilu recalled previous tanker-related disasters across the country that resulted in massive explosions and the loss of hundreds of lives, describing them as painful reminders of the deadly consequences of such actions. He therefore called on the National Assembly to urgently enact legislation that explicitly criminalises fuel scooping and imposes stiff penalties on offenders.
According to him, while public awareness remains important, it must now be backed by strong legal and enforcement measures to deter individuals from engaging in the life-threatening practice.
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“Human life is sacred and priceless. No situation, no excuse, and no momentary gain should justify conduct that places lives in imminent danger,” Issa-Onilu said.
He reaffirmed the NOA’s commitment to intensifying safety advocacy, value reorientation, and civic responsibility campaigns nationwide to prevent avoidable tragedies and promote a culture that prioritises the sanctity of life.
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