Lanre Issa-Onilu, the director-general of the National Orientation Agency, has condemned the scooping of fuel from a fallen tanker in Apapa, Lagos.
Mr Issa-Onilu, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, urged the National Assembly to criminalise the scooping of fuel.
He said the practice is wholly unacceptable in modern society and poses extreme, 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.
“Over the years, we have deployed nationwide sensitisation campaigns to educate Nigerians on the dangers of fuel scooping and other high-risk behaviours.
“Regrettably, despite warnings and value-reorientation efforts, some individuals persist in this life-threatening conduct. Poverty does not justify reckless behaviour or disregard for self-preservation,” he said.
The NOA boss described the fuel scooping as a conscious, reckless, and criminal disregard for human life and public safety.
Mr Issa-Onilu recalled past tragedies where fuel tanker accidents and scooping caused explosions, resulting in hundreds of deaths, warning that the menace is recurrent and preventable.
“Sustained public education must now be reinforced by strong legal and enforcement frameworks to end this deadly behaviour decisively,” he said.
Mr Issa-Onilu noted that Nigerians must collectively reject actions leading to mass casualties, national trauma, and preventable loss of life.
“Human life is sacred and priceless. No situation, excuse, or momentary gain justifies conduct that places lives in imminent danger,” Mr Issa-Onilu said.
(NAN)