By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has assured truck owners under the aegis of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) of the protection of their drivers and trucks from harassment and attacks by hoodlums at port access roads in Lagos.
Speaking on Wednesday, the Executive Secretary of the council, Mr Pius Akutah, said that the role of transporters in the maritime industry cannot be overemphasized, saying, “We are dedicated to maintaining a safe environment that allows for the seamless movement of cargo to the hinterlands.”
He assured truck owners and drivers of the swift move at the corporate headquarters of the council in Lagos, acknowledging the investments made by stakeholders in ensuring goods are efficiently transported from seaports to various destinations.
He said, “We understand the impact of these disruptions on the economy and are fully committed to resolving them swiftly.”
“The NSC is actively working on this, and we will ensure that security agencies are mobilized to protect lives and properties.
“You have invested so much; we cannot stand by and watch your business suffer. Rest assured, the Minister is also looking into stabilizing the sector,” he added.
Mr Akutah underscored the critical role of security agencies in safeguarding the citizens and economic activities, noting that port logistics must remain free of disturbances for the economy to thrive, explaining that as the Port Economic Regulator, it would not hesitate to intervene to protect the interests of stakeholders, ensuring that the transportation of cargo by land remains efficient and safe.
On his part, the General Secretary of AMATO, Mr Bala Mohammed, highlighted the difficulties faced by their members, citing the brutalization of drivers and the vandalization of trucks by hoodlums.
He expressed concern that these attacks not only jeopardize business operations but also disrupt the timely evacuation of goods from the ports, impacting the entire supply chain.
Mr Mohammed warned that AMATO was on the verge of withdrawing its services, as the current situation was unsustainable and detrimental to their clients.
Among AMATO’s key demands were the enforcement of the 2004 Tax and Levy Act, the establishment of an anti-hoodlum task force similar to the one protecting BRT buses, and the cessation of touts used by enforcement agencies such as LASTMA.
According to them, these measures are essential to safeguard truckers and ensure the smooth flow of goods across Lagos State.