The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has launched a dedicated rescue team and inaugurated new state executives as part of efforts to address long-standing operational and safety challenges facing truckers servicing the Lagos seaports.

Speaking at the event yesterday, the National President, Remi Ogungbemi, described the initiative as a shift towards practical, solution-driven interventions in a sector affected by inefficiencies, financial strain and regulatory gaps.

Ogungbemi said the team would work alongside traffic and enforcement agencies to clear obstructions such as broken-down trucks and fallen containers to improve efficiency and safety. He added that the team would be equipped with communication devices and motorbikes, and would collaborate with the National Towing Vehicle Owners Association pending the deployment of AMATO’s own towing assets.

He explained that the initiative is designed to complement the efforts of agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and the Vehicle Inspection Service, which have continued to maintain order on Lagos roads.

Ogungbemi, however, traced the roots of the maritime trucking crisis to the planning and concessioning of Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port, stating that insufficient consideration was given to the role of trucks in port logistics. He noted that the port privatisation process led to the removal of designated truck parks within port premises, resulting in indiscriminate parking along access roads and contributing to congestion and operational inefficiencies.

He also highlighted the worsening financial conditions of maritime truck operators, attributing them to systemic leakages and exploitative practices by both state and non-state actors. According to him, these pressures have reduced profitability and forced operators to divert funds meant for fleet maintenance, leading to an increase in unsafe trucks on the roads.

“Trucking is no longer as profitable as it used to be. What should go into maintaining trucks is lost to multiple layers of exploitation,” he said.

Ogungbemi added that, to address infrastructure gaps, AMATO has proposed the development of a standard truck marshalling yard capable of accommodating about 3,500 trucks to serve both ports. He disclosed that the proposal has been submitted to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and referred to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for review.

In her remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police Western Command, Toyin Agbaminoja, described the initiative as a critical step towards strengthening safety, rapid response mechanisms and order within the port environment. She said the new framework, centred on safety, rapid response and operational order, would enhance coordination among stakeholders and address emerging challenges.

Agbaminoja also congratulated the leadership and members of the committee, urging them to demonstrate integrity, responsibility and strong collaboration with the community, noting that collective effort remains essential to achieving lasting improvements.

Also speaking, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Kehinde Hamzat, announced plans to commence strict enforcement against the movement of unlatched containers on roads across the state from May 2026. He said the measure would ensure that all containers transported by trucks are properly latched before movement, to reduce road hazards and prevent accidents linked to unstable cargo.

Hamzat added that the FRSC is seeking a strategic partnership with AMATO to ensure smooth and effective implementation of the exercise. He also congratulated the newly inaugurated executives, urging them to demonstrate commitment and diligence in their leadership roles. (Guardian)