President Bola Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to lead a Federal Government delegation to Jigawa in response to Tuesday tanker explosion in Majia town, which claimed over 100 lives.
Tinubu’s directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga said the government delegation would comprise the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali; Corps Marshall of the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr Shehu Mohammed; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North West), Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai.
He said, while in Jigawa, the delegation would visit the scene of the incident to assess the situation and visit injured persons in the hospital.
According to him, the President Tinubu further directed that emergency aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, be extended to the 50 victims receiving treatment and others affected by the fire.
The President, with a heavy heart, joined the Vice President in extending his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this devastating incident.
He expressed his heartfelt prayers and support to the government and people of Jigawa during this time of tragic loss and grief. He prays for divine comfort for the bereaved families and the peaceful repose for the souls of the departed.
President Tinubu reassured the nation that the Federal Government, in collaboration with states, is committed to the swift and comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across the country.
He restated his directive to the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) to strengthen night travel measures, such as increased patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and other highway safety mechanisms.
He said those found responsible for breaches of safety standards would be held accountable, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring such incidents do not recur.
