The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called on the National Assembly to criminalise the scooping of fuel from fallen tankers, describing the practice as dangerous and unacceptable.
Condemning a recent incident in Apapa, Lagos, Issa-Onilu said fuel scooping posed extreme and preventable threats to human life, public safety and national infrastructure.
“The risks extend beyond those directly involved. Motorists, nearby communities, emergency responders, and critical assets are all endangered, far outweighing any perceived benefit,” he said, noting that despite repeated sensitisation campaigns, some Nigerians continue to engage in the practice. “Poverty does not justify reckless behaviour or disregard for self-preservation,” he added.
Issa-Onilu described fuel scooping as a “conscious, reckless, and criminal disregard for human life and public safety,” recalling past tanker explosions that claimed hundreds of lives across the country.
He stressed that while public education remains important, it must now be backed by stronger legal and enforcement measures. “Sustained public education must now be reinforced by strong legal and enforcement frameworks to end this deadly behaviour decisively,” he said, urging Nigerians to collectively reject actions that lead to mass casualties and national trauma. “Human life is sacred and priceless. No situation, excuse, or momentary gain justifies conduct that places lives in imminent danger,” he stated.