Abuja, January 20 — The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has strongly condemned the practice of scooping fuel from fallen tanker trucks, describing it as dangerous, irresponsible, and unacceptable.
Issa-Onilu’s reaction followed an incident on Monday at the Liverpool Bridge in the Apapa area of Lagos State, where members of the public were seen scooping fuel from an overturned tanker.
In a statement issued by the Director of Communication and Media, Bala Musa, the NOA Director General warned that the practice poses serious and avoidable risks to human life, public safety, and critical national infrastructure.
According to him, the danger extends far beyond those directly involved in fuel scooping.
“The risks are not limited to those engaged in the act; the collateral danger to motorists, nearby communities, emergency responders, and public assets is enormous and far outweighs any perceived benefit,” the statement said.
Issa-Onilu noted that the agency has, over the years, carried out nationwide sensitisation and public enlightenment campaigns to educate Nigerians on the dangers associated with fuel scooping and similar high-risk behaviour.
He expressed concern that despite sustained advocacy and repeated warnings, some individuals continue to engage in the practice.
“Regrettably, despite these efforts, some people have remained adamant and persist in this life-threatening conduct,” he said.
The NOA boss stated that the behaviour could not be justified under any circumstance, stressing that it should not be excused on the basis of poverty.
“This is not poverty. Poverty does not remove judgement or the instinct for self-preservation. What we are witnessing is a conscious and reckless disregard for human life and public safety,” Issa-Onilu said.
He recalled several past incidents across the country where fuel tanker accidents resulted in deadly explosions after people attempted to scoop fuel, leading to the loss of hundreds of lives.
According to him, the recurring tragedies show that the menace is preventable and should no longer be tolerated.
Issa-Onilu therefore called on the National Assembly to urgently initiate and enact legislation that would expressly criminalise fuel scooping from fallen tankers and prescribe clear and deterrent penalties for offenders.
He added that while public enlightenment remains important, it must now be supported by strong legal and enforcement mechanisms to effectively curb the practice.
The Director General reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to intensifying its value-reorientation and safety advocacy nationwide, urging Nigerians to collectively reject behaviours that repeatedly result in avoidable deaths and national trauma.
“Human life is sacred and priceless. No excuse or momentary gain should justify actions that place lives in imminent danger,” he said.
