Niger tanker explosion: Umahi consoles Gov, victims’ families

Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr) David Umahi has conveyed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives to tanker explosion at the Essa Village along Lambata- Lapai – Bida road in Niger State on Tuesday.

In a statement released by his aide, the Minister also extended his sympathy to the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago and the good people of the State over this unfortunate tanker inferno.

It was reported that thirty persons were feared dead while forty others sustained various degrees of burns as a result of scooping petroleum products from this accidental tanker along that route.

The Minister of Works has set up emergency committee to immediately move to Niger State, working with the contractor handling the project, CGC Nigeria Limited, to ensure that palliative rehabilitation is carried out on the affected road.
This was the outcome of the Minister’s meeting with delegation of the National Assembly members from the Niger State, and his discussion with the Governor and the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote on Thursday.

It is noteworthy to mention that the project was initially NNPC funded, but in view of the withdrawal from the funding scheme nationwide, the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that all such projects must not stop for the reason of the NNPCL exit from the funding scheme.
While the Ministry has reviewed all such projects, and will be presented to the President, Umahi used this medium to ask contractors on the project, especially those who have generated certificates for payment to go back to the site and expect payment from November 2025.

The Minister reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope Administration to building enduring road infrastructure nationwide with sustainable growth and prosperous economy through bequest of massive and solid road infrastructure for the future generation.