ASSESSING THE PHYSICAL IMPACT OF FUEL TANKER EXPLOSIONS ON PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE IN SULEJA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Fuel tanker explosions remain one of the most devastating transportation-related disasters in Nigeria, causing significant loss of lives, environmental degradation, and extensive damage to public infrastructure. Despite the frequency of these incidents, empirical studies examining their direct effects on local infrastructure at the community level remain limited. This study assessed the physical impact of fuel tanker explosions on public infrastructure in Suleja Local Government Area, Niger State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 353 respondents using a structured questionnaire administered to residents, business owners, transport operators, and relevant government officials within affected communities. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, mean scores, and standard deviations, were employed to analyze the data using SPSS. The findings revealed that fuel tanker explosions have caused substantial damage to critical infrastructure, including roads, drainage systems, electricity distribution facilities, commercial buildings, and residential structures. The results further indicated that road infrastructure and electricity facilities were the most frequently affected, resulting in disruption of transportation, public services, and economic activities within the study area. The study concludes that recurrent fuel tanker explosions constitute a significant threat to infrastructure resilience and sustainable urban development in Suleja. It recommends stricter enforcement of petroleum transportation safety regulations, routine maintenance of fuel tankers, improved emergency response mechanisms, and strategic urban planning aimed at reducing infrastructure exposure to tanker-related hazards. The findings contribute empirical evidence to the growing discourse on disaster risk reduction and infrastructure protection in rapidly urbanizing communities in Nigeria.