By Moses Akaigwe
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Lagos State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps {FRSC}have resolved to collaborate towards finding a lasting solution to the danger posed by unlatched containers that fall off heavy duty trucks resulting in fatal accidents in the state.
This was the outcome of a recent meeting between the Managing Director/Chief Executive of NPA, Alhaji Mohammed Bello Koko, and the Lagos State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Olusegun Ogungbemide, in Lagos, in response to the frequent accidents involving container trucks in the area.
The two leaders agreed on the modality for the diligent implementation of the MoU earlier signed between the FRSC and NPA, particularly in the area of improving the capacity and efficiency of truck drivers.
They further agreed that while FRSC operatives may not necessarily be involved directly in the ports trucking operations, they would collaborate to ensure that the trucks meet minimum safety standards and are properly latched before being allowed out of the port terminals
“The two organisations should have representatives from both sides to see what has not been implemented in the earlier signed MoU and ensure it’s implemented,” the statement said.
The two sides also agreed on the need to support the Federal Government’s policy on ease of doing business and for NPA to support the training programs for the Truck drivers for continuous improvements in their skills. Furthermore, NPA is to liaise with the Lagos State Government to secure a holding bay where trucks impounded by the FRSC can be kept for safety.
Speaking on the initiative, the Sector Commander affirmed his commitment to the continuing efforts to involve relevant stakeholders in addressing the menace of road traffic crashes involving heavy duty trucks.
He further expressed optimism that the strategic partnership with the NPA is would go a long way in addressing the menace of unlatched and overloading of trucks.