NPA Tightens Tanker Registration Rules Amid Rising Safety Concerns -

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) is set to introduce stricter registration requirements for petroleum tankers, as part of efforts to improve road safety and reduce accidents involving fuel transport vehicles.

The move signals a tougher regulatory stance by the Authority, with new compliance measures expected to screen out unqualified operators and ensure that only tankers meeting defined safety standards are allowed to operate.

Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, said the policy shift is aimed at addressing persistent safety lapses within the petroleum transport sector.

Speaking at a Safety Week event organised by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies, he indicated that the Authority will introduce key performance indicators (KPIs) and strict technical checks as part of the registration process for new tankers.

According to him, the enhanced regime will place responsibility on all players within the value chain, including tanker owners, drivers, transport unions, and regulators, to uphold safety standards.

He stressed that tanker owners must ensure that vehicles meet operational and safety benchmarks before deployment, while drivers are expected to comply with best practices on the road.

The NPA boss further noted that the Authority will intensify oversight to ensure compliance, as part of broader efforts to safeguard lives, protect infrastructure, and restore confidence in petroleum transportation.

The planned measures are expected to tighten regulatory control over the sector and significantly reduce the risk of accidents associated with fuel haulage across the country.