The management of the Dangote Refinery has warned petroleum marketers over the rising number of leaking fuel trucks arriving at its loading gantry. The company recently described the trend as a major safety threat to Africa’s largest refinery.
In an internal circular signed by the refinery’s Group Commercial Operations Department and shared hours ago, the refinery revealed that it has observed a “disturbingly high” number of product-laden tankers arriving in poor mechanical condition, despite constant warnings and fines imposed on offenders.
According to Dangote Refinery, a lot of trucks keep showing up with cracked valves, loose fittings, and dripping product, and these poor conditions significantly increase the risk of fire outbreaks at the multibillion-dollar facility.
The refinery insisted that the situation poses a major risk to the entire refinery; therefore, it would no longer be condoned.
“It has been observed that the number of leaking trucks arriving at the gantry remains high, despite the repeated warnings and the fines imposed on each truck.
The trend has been on the increased daily, and this portends great danger to the entire refinery, and this will no longer be tolerated. Effective immediately, any tanker found leaking at the gantry will not only attract fines but will expose the owner-marketer to severe sanctions, including a temporary suspension from loading operations at the refinery,” it read.
Dangote Refinery further noted that it will keep taking steps to protect its facility from any danger that threatens lives and properties.
He concluded by urging marketers to ensure that only good and healthy trucks are deployed for loading, stressing that no excuse will be accepted for safety violations.
“Any truck found leaking at the gantry will not only be fined, but the affected marketer will be severely sanctioned, which may include denying him further operational activities within the refinery for a specified period.
We appeal to you to ensure you present ONLY good and healthy trucks for your loading, and there should be no excuse for any failure,” it added.
