Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has strongly condemned the actions of residents who risked their lives by scooping fuel from an overturned tanker at the Tincan-Liverpool Bridge in Apapa, Lagos. The governor described the act as dangerous, irresponsible, and a serious threat to public safety.
The incident occurred on Monday when a fuel tanker fell while navigating the busy bridge, causing petrol to spill onto the road and nearby areas. Instead of keeping away from the scene, several residents were seen rushing to collect the leaking fuel in containers, ignoring the risk of fire or explosion.
Speaking on the incident, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed deep concern over the disregard for safety shown by those involved. He warned that such actions could easily lead to loss of lives, noting that petrol is highly flammable and even a small spark could have caused a major disaster.
“It is very unfortunate that people would put their lives in danger in this manner,” the governor said. “Safety was completely ignored, and this kind of behaviour can result in tragic consequences.”
Sanwo-Olu, however, praised the swift response of emergency responders and security agencies who arrived at the scene shortly after the accident. He specifically commended the Nigeria Police Force and other emergency teams for securing the area and preventing the situation from escalating.
According to the governor, the quick intervention helped to control the scene, disperse the crowd, and reduce the risk of fire or explosion. He stressed that without their prompt action, the incident could have ended in a major tragedy, considering the location and heavy traffic associated with Apapa.
The governor used the opportunity to caution Lagos residents against engaging in similar actions in the future. He emphasized that public safety must always come before material gain, no matter the economic hardship people may be facing.
He noted that Lagos has recorded several deadly accidents in the past involving fuel tankers, many of which resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property. Sanwo-Olu reminded residents of incidents where people died while scooping fuel from fallen tankers, urging them to learn from such painful experiences.
Beyond the tanker incident, the governor also addressed the wider issue of public indiscipline in the state. He expressed concern over the continued problem of indiscriminate waste disposal, particularly the habit of dumping refuse on road medians, drainage channels, and highways.
Sanwo-Olu described the practice as unacceptable, saying it contributes to flooding, environmental pollution, and health risks. He warned that the state government would no longer tolerate such behaviour.
The governor disclosed that tougher sanctions would be enforced in 2026 to curb illegal waste disposal across the state. He said the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has been directed to apprehend offenders and ensure they are punished according to the law.
“We must all take responsibility for keeping our environment clean,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Dumping refuse on the roads and medians is not only illegal, it puts lives at risk.”
He added that enforcement efforts would be intensified to serve as a deterrent to others, stressing that cleanliness and order are key to making Lagos a safe and healthy place to live.
Sanwo-Olu also spoke on the ongoing demolition exercise in Makoko, a waterfront community in Lagos. The exercise has drawn public attention and criticism, with concerns raised about the impact on residents.
Clarifying the situation, the governor explained that the affected structures were located dangerously close to high-tension power lines. He said buildings within 150 to 250 metres of the power lines posed a serious risk to human lives.
According to him, residents of the affected areas had been issued evacuation notices more than two years before the demolition began. He noted that the government acted in line with safety regulations and did not carry out the exercise suddenly.
“The safety of lives is our priority,” Sanwo-Olu said. “These structures were too close to high-tension cables, and leaving people there would have been irresponsible.”
He reassured affected residents that the government would not abandon them. Sanwo-Olu said his administration is committed to providing support through palliatives and relocation assistance to help those displaced by the demolition.
Makoko, often referred to as one of Lagos’ largest informal settlements, has long faced challenges related to poor housing, overcrowding, and lack of basic infrastructure. Over the years, governments have raised safety and environmental concerns about the area, especially regarding buildings close to power lines and waterways.
The governor stressed that while development and safety measures can be painful, they are necessary to prevent disasters and protect lives. He called on residents to cooperate with government agencies and obey safety regulations.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Lagos State. He said the government remains resolute in taking all necessary steps to ensure public safety, order, and wellbeing.
He urged Lagosians to be law-abiding, safety-conscious, and mindful of their actions, especially in emergency situations. According to him, preventing avoidable deaths requires collective responsibility from both the government and the people.
As Lagos continues to grow as a major commercial hub, the governor said the state must maintain high safety standards to protect its large population. He assured residents that the government would continue to strengthen emergency response systems, enforce safety laws, and promote responsible behaviour.
The fuel scooping incident at Tincan-Liverpool Bridge, Sanwo-Olu said, should serve as a strong reminder of the dangers of ignoring safety rules and the importance of putting human life above all else.