A coalition of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) and Container Truck Owners Association (COTOAN) has expressed confidence of easing the Apapa gridlock through a temporary manual call-up system for trucks.
The body made this known in a joint statement in Lagos on Monday by Chief Remi Ogungbemi and Alh. Wasiu Oloruntoyin for AMATO and COTOAN respectively.It said that the Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) introduced the system to address the traffic situation, which has been a burden to all stakeholders in the port city.
It, therefore, called on all members of the trucking associations to comply with the initiative for the greater economic benefit of all.
“In view of the traffic gridlock staring the faces of truckers, stakeholders in maritime industry, Apapa residents and public at large, all our members are hereby directed to follow the newly-introduced call-up system by the NPA Management.
“This initiative by the NPA, is to help regulate the movement of all trucks/tankers into the Ports and Tank Farms.”
The coalition of the associations said it considered the move as a positive step to help them reposition their business and checkmate forms of corruption involved in the chaotic situation that truckers are currently experiencing in Apapa and environs.
The trucking associations also sought the support of other corporate truck owners including Dangote, Flour mills, BUA to embrace the call-up system as they begin the test-run.
They advised all representatives of truck parks to go to association’s office in Apapa for further briefing on the operations by the NPA.
Meanwhile, all trucks are expected to remain at their respective parks /garages until they get a call-up before they can take their trucks out on the road to head for the ports, the body added.