…warns public against contact with foamy substance as samples go for lab analysis
By Ime Silas
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, has launched a full investigation into a suspected chemical spill along the busy Kaduna-Abuja Expressway after a white, foamy substance was discovered at the scene of a truck accident.
Officials from the NESREA Kaduna State Field Office were deployed to the site on Monday following reports of the unusual discharge. The team was led by the State Coordinator, Mr. Hena Dangari Emmanuel.
According to NESREA, preliminary findings show that a heavy-duty truck was involved in an accident on the expressway, resulting in the spillage of its contents onto the road surface. The nature of the material in the truck has not yet been confirmed.
During the site visit, the NESREA team met with key stakeholders in the area, including the Police Commander for Jere, ACP Sani Zubairu, the Federal Road Safety Corps Commander in charge of the sector, and the community leader. The engagements were aimed at gathering firsthand accounts of the incident and assessing any immediate environmental or public health impact.
“As part of ongoing investigations, we have interfaced with security agencies, road safety officials, and community representatives to understand what happened and to secure the area,” Mr. Emmanuel said. “Our priority at this stage is to determine the composition of the substance and ensure that residents are not exposed to any hazard.”
To support the probe, our paper learnt, NESREA officials collected multiple samples from the site. These include samples of the white foamy substance, soil from the affected stretch of the road, and water from a nearby stream. All samples have been sent to accredited laboratories for detailed analysis to determine whether hazardous chemicals are present.
Residents and motorists who ply the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway have been urged to exercise caution.
In a statement signed by Assistant Director, Press, Nwamaka Ejiofor, a copy of which was obtained by our paper, NESREA advised members of the public to stay away from the foamy substance, the water in the nearby stream, and the surrounding soil until laboratory results are released.
“Members of the public are strongly advised to avoid contact with the foamy substance, the water, and the surrounding soil until the investigation is concluded, to prevent possible exposure to hazardous materials,” the statement read.
The Kaduna-Abuja Expressway is one of Nigeria’s busiest interstate routes, linking the capital city to the northwest. An incident of this nature raises concerns about the transportation of chemicals and other potentially dangerous goods on public roads, as well as the capacity for rapid emergency response.
Environmental experts, while speaking on the matter hint that foamy discharges following vehicular accidents can sometimes indicate the presence of detergents, industrial solvents, or other chemicals that may contaminate soil and water sources if not properly contained. Until lab results confirm the exact composition, NESREA stressed it is treating the case as a potential environmental hazard.
The Agency added that it will work closely with the FRSC, the Nigeria Police Force, and local authorities to determine the cause of the accident, identify the owner and operator of the truck, and enforce compliance with hazardous materials transportation regulations.
NESREA also called on anyone with additional information about the incident or the truck involved to come forward to assist with the investigation.
Further updates will be provided once laboratory analysis is completed, the Agency said even as investigation is ongoing.
