The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), in collaboration with the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), has initiated an extensive awareness campaign aimed at reducing accidents caused by trucks in the maritime sector.
During a sensitization event at the AMATO Secretariat in Apapa, various stakeholders including representatives from FRSC, Port Management teams, and AMATO officials emphasized the need for enhanced safety measures. They highlighted the NPA’s advocacy for targeted funding and favorable loans to replace outdated trucks with modern ones, thereby improving safety and efficiency at ports.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Charles Bamidele Okaga, representing the Port Manager of Apapa Port Complex, underscored government efforts in providing financial support across sectors, urging AMATO to collaborate with relevant agencies to secure subsidies for truck purchases.
Eng Garuba, representing NPA’s Assistant General Manager in charge of Safety, reiterated the organization’s commitment to safety, stressing the pivotal role of truck drivers in ensuring secure cargo transport. He emphasized the need for adherence to regulations to minimize accidents, which he attributed largely to human errors.
AMATO Chairman, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, echoed concerns over the challenging operating environment for truck drivers and pledged ongoing collaboration with safety authorities to enforce stricter regulations, including barring trucks without functional safety equipment from entering ports.
Participants, including truck drivers, expressed their challenges such as insecurity and extortion, underscoring a shift towards self-regulation and regular sensitization within their community.
Overall, the event highlighted collaborative efforts towards improving safety standards and operational conditions within Nigeria’s maritime trucking industry.