The management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced plans to begin strict enforcement and aggressive towing of any truck found parking indiscriminately or obstructing traffic flow as part of efforts to bring order to Apapa Port access roads.
A statement by Mr Sani Mohammed, Secretary General of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) said members of the trucking community have been warned to either remove their trucks from the access roads and stop indiscriminate parking or face whatever consequences they get.
According to Mr Mohammed, AMATO appealed to the leadership of the NPA saying that “following an appeal by the leadership of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), the NPA has graciously approved a short grace period to allow AMATO sensitize its members and ensure full compliance with the directive.
“Consequently, all AMATO members are strongly advised to immediately desist from parking their trucks along the port access roads. This serves as a timely warning — to be forewarned is to be forearmed.
“It is pertinent to note that indiscriminate parking, often arising from the shortage of adequate truck parks, has continued to result in unnecessary losses for members through arrests, towing, impoundments, and the imposition of exorbitant fines by government agencies.
“To address these challenges and provide a safer and more convenient alternative, the Mainland Transit Park, located at 235, opposite Old SIFAX, Ijora Road, has been designated to accommodate all categories of dry cargo trucks.
“The facility offers a secure environment for parking and helps prevent indiscriminate towing of vehicles from the port corridors.
“AMATO remains committed to partnering with relevant stakeholders to promote a conducive and sustainable business environment for all truck owners and drivers.”