MWUN, Transport Safety Committee sign MoU to improve haulage safety, standardization, drivers’ welfare

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Joint National Transport Safety Committee of Nigeria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve safety, drivers’ welfare and standardization compliance in haulage transport operation in Nigeria.

The agreement, signed at the MWUN Secretariat in Lagos on Monday, also seeks to prioritize the well-being of passengers, and communities, while also emphasizing environmental responsibility and carbon footprint reduction.

Speaking on the significance of the partnership, President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju described the MoU as a crucial step in addressing the menace of unregulated and unsafe truck operations on Nigerian roads.

Adeyanju expressed concern over the prolonged periods trucks spend on the road without proper maintenance and drivers sleeping in trucks for extended periods, lacking access to proper healthcare and basic amenities.

“This is not the first time we’ve signed an MoU but I can tell you that this one is going to be one of the best MoU that the MWUN will append its signature.

“It is going to help us to reduce this menace of trucks spending weeks, months on the road.

“Some of the truck owners subject their drivers as slaves. Some of them would sleep inside the truck for weeks. Who takes care of their welfare? How about their health concerns? he questioned.

Adeyanju, however, warned against any deceit or lack of sincerity in implementing the agreement, stating that MWUN as a responsible trade union will not work with people who lack sincerity.

“We are a responsible trade unionist and we don’t do things just anyhow. We follow our members and we follow the organization proper. We don’t work with liars.

“I believe the two bodies, will work together and make sure that this MoU does not crash half way, ” he said.

When asked if the MoU will involve collection of toll, Adeyanju clarified that it was not the immediate focus of the MoU, but could be considered in the future.

Earlier in his address, National Executive Chairman of the Joint National Transport Safety Committee, Taiwo Mogbojuri emphasized the MoU’s commitment to safety and standardization.

“Through this MOU, we aim to create a safer, more efficient, and sustainable maritime truck and haulage transport system. We recognize that safety is not just a regulatory requirement, but a moral obligation to protect the lives of our drivers, passengers, and communities,” he said.

Mogbojuri outlined the key areas of focus of the MoU, including regulatory compliance, risk management, driver training and wellness, as well as vehicle maintenance and inspection.

He expressed gratitude to MWUN for their partnership and commitment to safety excellence.

“As we sign this MOU, we’re not just formalizing a partnership — we’re making a promise to each other, to our stakeholders, and to the communities we serve. A promise to uphold the highest standards of safety, to innovate and improve continuously, and to collaborate openly and transparently, ” he said.