The harrowing tragedy that claimed the lives of approximately 140 Nigerians in Jigawa State following a fuel tanker explosion stands as a bleak testament to the dysfunction of governance and the failures of the current administration under President Bola Tinubu. This devastating incident lays bare the reality of a system that has repeatedly failed to safeguard its most vulnerable citizens, leaving them to face the deadly consequences of poverty, negligence, and a deep-seated governance crisis.
The explosion, reportedly triggered when a tanker carrying 45,000 liters of petrol overturned in a remote part of Jigawa, saw desperate villagers rushing to collect the leaking fuel. Their fatal scramble for this “liquid gold” illustrates the extent of fuel scarcity and the pervasive hunger for basic necessities in Nigeria. The deaths of these innocent individuals serve as an indictment of a failed social contract between the government and the people it is meant to serve.
At the heart of this tragedy is the unchecked increase in fuel prices, following the government’s abrupt removal of subsidies on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). This policy shift has pushed many Nigerians to the brink, particularly those in rural areas where livelihoods have been decimated by inflation, unemployment, and soaring fuel costs. For a country whose economy is overwhelmingly dependent on oil, the scarcity of fuel and its prohibitive price now controls virtually every aspect of daily life.
It is not difficult to understand why the impoverished villagers of Jigawa risked their lives by approaching a leaking fuel tanker. Fuel is not merely a commodity in Nigeria—it is the lifeblood of survival. Without access to affordable petrol, basic transportation, agricultural production, and even electricity generation become impossible. Desperation, fostered by the government’s failure to address the deepening economic crisis, drove the villagers to disregard warnings and engage in the life-threatening act of fuel scooping.
This grim episode raises numerous questions about the priorities of the Tinubu administration. How did it come to pass that in a nation so richly endowed with natural resources, citizens are reduced to scavenging from fallen tankers to obtain a product that ought to be abundant and affordable? The answer lies in a leadership that has repeatedly prioritized elite interests over the common good, leaving the majority to fend for themselves in a brutal economic landscape.
In the aftermath of the explosion, the lack of swift government response has added salt to the wounds of a grieving nation. Where was the leadership in the face of such an overwhelming tragedy? As images of charred bodies circulated on social media, many Nigerians expected the president to cut short his foreign engagements and address the situation head-on. Yet, the president remained on holiday, detached from the cries of the bereaved families and the larger implications of such a disaster. Vice President Kashim Shettima was similarly absent, jetting off for official assignments abroad. Their indifference epitomizes the disconnect between the ruling class and the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
In a functional democracy, such a catastrophe would have been met with swift action. A president with empathy would have immediately mobilized resources to offer assistance to the victims’ families, ensure better medical care for the injured, and make a public statement of solidarity. Unfortunately, the Tinubu administration, much like its predecessors, seems more invested in international photo opportunities than in addressing domestic crises.
Nigeria’s political leaders have shown time and again that they are more concerned with power consolidation than with improving the welfare of their citizens. Instead of addressing the root causes of poverty, fuel scarcity, and infrastructure decay, they have opted for neoliberal economic policies that exacerbate inequality. The removal of fuel subsidies without adequate social safety nets has left millions of Nigerians stranded in a cycle of poverty, unable to afford basic goods and services. The Jigawa incident is a brutal manifestation of the failure of these policies.
However, it is important to recognize that the tanker explosion in Jigawa is not an isolated event. Similar tragedies have occurred in various parts of the country over the years. From Lagos to Delta, these accidents are becoming all too common, as desperate citizens take risks to obtain fuel that is increasingly out of reach. The government’s refusal to learn from past incidents, implement preventative measures, and invest in safety infrastructure further demonstrates its lack of regard for human life.
The explosion in Jigawa should serve as a wake-up call for the Nigerian government. It is a poignant reminder that the gap between the governed and the government has never been wider. Nigerians deserve better than a leadership that is out of touch with their struggles. They deserve a government that is responsive, responsible, and humane—one that puts the interests of its people above personal or political gains.
Lessons from this tragedy must be taken seriously if there is to be any hope of preventing future occurrences. First and foremost, the government must immediately reform its fuel policies to ensure that ordinary Nigerians can access affordable petrol without resorting to dangerous alternatives. Furthermore, safety protocols around fuel transportation must be strengthened, with tanker drivers and companies held to higher standards of accountability.
Equally important is the need for a more compassionate and engaged leadership. Leaders must prioritize the needs of their citizens, particularly in times of crisis. A leader who fails to show empathy and take decisive action in the face of such profound loss will continue to alienate the population. Nigerians should not have to choose between survival and safety in a country so rich in resources.
This tanker explosion, tragic as it is, could offer an opportunity for introspection and change. It is time for the government to address the systemic issues that have plagued Nigeria for far too long. The people have suffered enough. What they need now is a leadership that cares—one that will not rest until the country’s wealth is shared equitably, and no Nigerian has to risk their life for fuel ever again.
Deacon Darlington Okpebholo Ray
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Truth Live News Int’l
Political and Social Rights Crusader writes from London, England