FG bans 60,000-litre fuel tankers from Nigerian roads starting March 1
By Kunle Sanni
The Federal Government has announced a ban on 60,000-litre fuel tankers from operating on Nigerian roads, effective March 1, 2025.
Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), made the announcement after a meeting with key stakeholders, including the Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
The ban aims to reduce road accidents involving heavy-duty fuel trucks.
Ukoha also stated that by the fourth quarter of 2025, no fuel truck exceeding 45,000 litres in capacity will be allowed to load petroleum products.
Addressing recent reports on poor fuel quality, Ukoha dismissed the claims as “bogus, misleading, and unscientific.”
He assured Nigerians that all imported and locally refined petroleum products meet strict regulatory standards before being distributed.
“We urge Nigerians to disregard unverified social media claims. The NMDPRA remains committed to upholding product quality under the Petroleum Industry Act,” Ukoha said.
Ukoha also revealed that Nigeria’s daily consumption of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has dropped significantly since the removal of the fuel subsidy in May 2023—from an average of 66 million litres per day to about 50 million litres per day.
He noted that local refineries contribute less than 50% of Nigeria’s daily PMS needs, with imports making up the shortfall.
The Federal Government continues to push for improved refining capacity and regulatory enforcement to ensure safety, efficiency, and fuel quality across the country.
