NPA commissions mobile workshop vans for truckers to ease gridlock around Lagos ports

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Thursday commissioned two mobile workshop vans acquired by truckers under the aegis of the National Association of Maritime Truck Operators (NAMTOP) to offer immediate repair services to trucks facing breakdowns on their way to and from the Lagos ports.

The mobile workshop vans, according to the truck operators, will be strategically positioned at the Apapa and Tin Can port access roads to provide a 24 hours rapid response to any truck that develops minor faults along the port corridors.

This is with a view to avert accidents, reduce delays and traffic gridlock, which is usually compounded by trucks that breakdown along the port access roads.

Speaking at the commissioning, Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Muhammed Bello- Koko applauded the initiative of the mobile workshop vans by NAMTOP saying it aligns with the NPA’s minimum safety standards for trucks entering the ports.

Bello-Koko, represented by the General Manager, Health, Safety and Environment, NPA, Pharmacist Kadijat Sheila Shabi, said the mobile vans will play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless flow of goods and services through the nation’s ports by addressing the challenge of traffic gridlock that has plagued the port industry for too long.

He noted that by offering immediate repair services to trucks, the mobile workshop vans will not only expedite the clearance process but also contribute significantly to ensuring that trucks meet and maintain the safety standards.

Bello- Koko said the mobile vans which are equipped with skilled technicians and state-of-the-art tools will ensure that repairs are swift and efficient, minimizing disruptions and keeping the ports operational at all times.

This, he said, will not only enhances the reliability of the port’s logistics chain but also underscores the agency’s commitment to meeting the minimum safety standards for trucks entering the ports.

“One persistent issue that has often caused congestion and delays at our seaports is the breakdown of trucks meant to access these ports.

“Trucks, as the lifeblood of our supply chain, are integral to the movement of goods to and from our ports. When these trucks experience breakdowns, it not only obstructs traffic but also leads to delays, added costs, and potential safety hazards.

“The repercussions of these disruptions cascade through the entire logistics network, affecting businesses, consumers, and the overall economy. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, NAMTOP’s visionary leadership, in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has undertaken the commendable task of introducing mobile workshop vans.

“These vans are not just a solution; they are a testament to the industry’s commitment to overcoming challenges and driving progress. This initiative stands as a shining example of public-private collaboration, illustrating what we can achieve when we work together toward a common goal.

“This collaborative effort between NAMTOP and the NPA embodies the very essence of our shared commitment to safety, efficiency, and reliability within our ports. By working hand in hand, we are forging a future where our ports operate with greater efficiency, safety, and compliance with established standards.

“At the macro level, this farsighted intervention by NAMTOP is a positive contribution to Nigeria’s readiness to maximise the opportunities inherent in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement to which we are signatory,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Patron of NAMTOP, Chief Remi Ogungbemi said the initiative was borne out of the need to enhance professionalism in the trucking business.

“If a truck is left on the road and nobody is attending to it, it could cause accident apart from impeding traffic. This is the vision that that we have that made us introduced the mobile workshop vans,” he said.

Chief Ogungbemi said the truckers are only complimenting the efforts of government officials and other stakeholders managing traffic saying it will be unwise to leave all the responsibility on government.

Noting that businesses can’t be done without support of stakeholders and the government, Chief Ogungbemi solicited support from NPA to enable the truckers acquire more vans and towing vehicles.

“We are looking at how the government can help us to acquire towing vehicles so that if trucks breakdown especially within Lagos metropolis, we will go there and tow it ourselves without waiting for government security agencies that will tow it and slam outrageous bill on our members,” he said.

A top member of the association, Mrs. Folake George, who also corroborated Ogungbemi;s position noted that with the initiative, members can receive help and prompt action when their trucks develop mechanical faults thereby ensuring obstructions are cleared on roads leading to the port.

Stakeholders and representatives of various security agencies managing traffic along the port corridors including Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Police, Port Standing Task Team (PSST) Truck Transit Park (TTP) among others present at the commissioning assured of their support and readiness to work with NAMPTOP towards improving the traffic situation along the ports access road.