At least eight people have tragically lost their lives in southwestern Nigeria after a fuel truck exploded while residents were attempting to siphon petrol from it. The accident occurred on Sunday night in Ondo state when the truck veered off the road and toppled on its side.

According to the police, some individuals went to the scene to scoop fuel, leading to the explosion. Fuel truck accidents are unfortunately common in Nigeria due to the outdated or insufficient rail infrastructure, resulting in petroleum products being transported by road.

This incident highlights the dangers faced by those trying to extract fuel illegally and emphasizes the urgent need for improved safety measures and transportation alternatives. In addition to the immediate tragedy, the explosion also shed light on the economic challenges faced by Nigerians.

Petrol prices in the country have soared from 189 naira ($0.24) to 617 naira ($0.78) per litre, following the decision by President Bola Tinubu to scrap a popular but costly fuel subsidy. This move has placed a significant financial burden on motorists, households, and small businesses that rely on petrol generators for power.

🇳🇬 Fuel truck explosion kills 8 in southern Nigeria

At least eight people were killed when a fuel truck exploded in southwestern Nigeria as residents were trying to siphon petrol out of it, police said on Monday.

The truck was involved in an accident on Sunday night in a pic.twitter.com/2a7mT0eH7W

— SOS-UK-Report (@sosReports) July 24, 2023

As a result, labor unions are now demanding an increase in the minimum monthly wage to alleviate the economic strain. President Tinubu acknowledged the hardships faced by the people but defended the decision, which was aimed at improving the country's economic situation.

The impact of the fuel subsidy removal can also be seen in the decrease in petrol consumption. Before the subsidy was removed, Nigeria had an average daily consumption of 66.9 million litres of petrol from January to May. However, in June, after the subsidy removal, the daily average fell to 48.43 million litres.

These figures, provided by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, indicate the direct impact of the fuel subsidy removal on petrol consumption. Tragic accidents like the fuel truck explosion in Ondo state serve as a reminder of the dangers associated with illegal fuel extraction.

The incident also highlights the need for comprehensive safety regulations and proper transportation infrastructure in Nigeria. Additionally, it underscores the challenges faced by Nigerians due to the removal of fuel subsidies, placing a heavy financial burden on citizens and generating demands for increased wages. It is crucial for the government to address these issues and prioritize the safety and well-being of its people.