A fuel tanker explosion killed 77 people in the Suleja region of Nigeria

The emergency management agency said people injured in Saturday’s explosion were being treated at nearby hospitals.

There have been many similar incidents in Nigeria in recent months.

Two weeks ago, a crashed fuel tanker exploded in oil-rich Delta state, killing at least five people, while at least 153 people died in October in an explosion while trying to collect leaking gasoline.

Fuel prices have risen by more than 400% in the last 18 months following bold economic policies led by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, which included the removal of long-standing fuel subsidies.

The changes have pushed millions of people into poverty, with many forced to take desperate life-saving measures.

The government said its policies were aimed at strengthening the economy.