The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, has strongly criticised the act of scooping fuel from a fallen tanker in Apapa, Lagos.
In a statement released on Monday, the 19th of January, 2026, in Abuja by the agency’s Communications Director, Mr Bala Musa, Issa-Onilu urged the National Assembly to take decisive action by criminalising the dangerous practice.
He described fuel scooping as completely unacceptable in a modern society, warning that it poses grave and avoidable risks to human lives, public safety, and critical 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.
Issa-Onilu further characterised the act as a deliberate, reckless, and criminal neglect for human life and collective safety.
Recalling previous incidents, he noted that fuel tanker accidents involving scooping have repeatedly led to deadly explosions, claiming hundreds of lives, and stressed that such tragedies are both recurring and preventable.
READ ALSO: Lagos Issues Warning As Residents Scoop Fuel From Fallen Tanker
“I urge the National Assembly to enact legislation criminalising fuel scooping from fallen tankers, with clear, deterrent penalties for offenders.
“Sustained public education must now be reinforced by strong legal and enforcement frameworks to end this deadly behaviour decisively,” he said.
He added that Nigerians must unite in rejecting actions that result in mass casualties, national grief, and needless loss of life.
“Human life is sacred and priceless. No situation, excuse, or momentary gain justifies conduct that places lives in imminent danger,” Issa-Onilu added.