By George Omagbemi Sylvester
The House of Representatives is considering a bill that would require truck and tanker drivers operating on Nigerian roads to undergo mandatory drug tests every six months as part of efforts to reduce the growing number of fatal road crashes involving heavy-duty vehicles.
The proposal was disclosed on Tuesday, July 29, 2026, by Hon. Peter Uzokwe, who represents Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency of Anambra State, during an interactive session of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) with stakeholders in the downstream petroleum sector, including the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).
Uzokwe, the sponsor of the bill, argued that substance abuse among truck drivers has become a major contributor to tanker and trailer accidents across the country.
According to him, while drivers may receive adequate training, the use of illicit substances can impair judgment and render such training ineffective, thereby endangering lives and property.
He explained that the bill is currently scheduled for second and third readings in the House.
During the meeting, petroleum marketers also highlighted broader challenges confronting the downstream oil sector, including logistics bottlenecks, rising financing costs, inadequate storage facilities, pipeline vandalism and multiple taxation.
Lawmakers assured stakeholders that further consultations with relevant regulatory agencies would be held to address the concerns and strengthen safety standards within the petroleum transportation industry
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