Hyacinth Chinweuba
The Nigerian Ports Authority has flagged off the enforcement of registration and implementation of minimum standard for all trucks doing business in the nation’s ports.
The General Manager, Western Port, High Chief Michael Ajayi during the event held in Apapa explained that the objective apart from ensuring that standard trucks operate in the ports was to afford the NPA the opportunity of data collection for traffic/infrastructure planning purpose.
Among other objectives would be to facilitate identification of every truck through the data base so as to check sharp practices, like theft and diversion of cargo belonging to importers; serve as a security measure to prevent any threat or security breach to the port in compliance with the ISPS code.
The Authority collects N10,000 as administrative fee for truck registration.
Ajayi said NPA was determined to ensure enforcement of the minimum standard of trucks following the constant threat posed to public safety by rickety trucks.
About 2,000 trucks, including those belonging to terminal operators, Dangote Group, Flour Mills and ENL have keyed into the programmes.
The trucks are certified by NPA Safety Officers who are working in conjunction with Lagos State Safety Vehicles Traffic Division.