Roles of Road Conditions and Driver Behaviour on Petroleum-Laden Tanker Accidents in Nigeria
By Ikiriko R. Y., Akpoghomeh, O. S. , Okodudu, E. E.
Petroleum-laden tanker accidents in Nigeria pose significant threats to life, property, and the environment. This study examines the impact of road conditions on the frequency and severity of such accidents from 2014 to 2025. Analysis of compiled data shows that annual fatalities ranged from as low as 4 deaths in Eleme (Rivers) in 2025 to a high of 169 deaths in Onitsha and Nnewi (Anambra) in 2015, while the number of accidents per state varied from a single incident in Ekiti, Osun, and Bauchi to 18 accidents in Lagos. High-fatality incidents were concentrated in states with poor road infrastructure, urban congestion, and inadequate traffic regulation, including Lagos, Anambra, Rivers, Delta, and Kogi. Contributing factors included potholes, narrow lanes, poor drainage, hilly terrain, and vehicle overloading. The findings indicate a strong correlation between deteriorating road conditions and both the frequency and severity of tanker accidents. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted road maintenance, improved traffic enforcement, and enhanced emergency response systems to reduce fatalities and mitigate socio-economic and environmental consequences of petroleum tanker accidents in Nigeria.