Lagos fire: Ambode summons tanker drivers, stakeholders

June 6, 2015 :

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has summoned Petroleum Products Tanker Drivers’ Union and stakeholders to an emergency meeting on Monday, June 8.

The meeting, Ambode said, would address the incessant petrol tanker-induced fires in the state.

The governor gave the directive on Saturday during a visit to the scene of the early morning petrol tanker fire at Idimu area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a similar tanker fire occurred on Tuesday at Iyana-Ipaja area of the state which left several shops and vehicles destroyed.

The Idimu fire which occurred in the wee hours of Saturday at an intersection has also left property worth millions of naira in ruins.

About 34 buildings, 70 shops, one tricycle and one truck were consumed by the fire ignited by a fallen petrol-laden tanker, according to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency.

“I have directed that we will meet with the union of the tanker drivers and other agencies on Monday morning, and we must make pronouncements relating to the usage of our roads.

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“This is another unfortunate accident within one week; unfortunate because we are beginning to lose a lot of our assets and property,” Ambode said.

Ambode also said it had become necessary to check the activities of the tanker drivers and enforce the state traffic laws.