Unworthy trucks denied access to port

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has mandated implementation of Minimum Safety Standards (MSS) scheme for trucks anchored on the “Eto” platform.
Mr Olaseni Alakija, General Manager Corporate and Strategic communications of NPA, said in a statement in Lagos on Saturday that the implementation took effect from July 1.
According to him, the decision was reached after consultations with stakeholders, including the leadership of trucking groups doing business at the ports.
“This action by the authority, aimed at bringing to an end, incessant breakdown of trucks on the ports access corridor, is in furtherance to the understanding reached with the Lagos State Government.
“It is a panacea in the enforcement of the “Eto” call-up system designed to facilitate smooth transit of bulk cargoes and container-carrying trucks going to the ports.
“Henceforth, only trucks confirmed by the NPA to have met the MSS requirements and duly issued with an MSS certificate will continue to be active on the “Eto” platform managed by the system operator – Truck Transit Parks Limited (TTP).
“Any truck or vehicle not confirmed or certified will be denied access to initiate bookings on the “Eto” platform until it has met all MSS requirements as stipulated by the NPA,” he said.
He advised owners of trucks yet to meet the MSS requirements to approach the NPA Safety Department at any of the two port locations in Lagos for guidance.
The official said that after certification of a truck, its details would be uploaded on “Eto” in order for it to continue doing business at the ports.
Alakija said that the MSS scheme was sequel to a memorandum of understanding between NPA and the Federal Road Safety Corps.
He added that it was a move to stem increasing cases of truck breakdown and containers falling off articulated vehicles inside the ports and on highways which, he noted, had claimed many lives and destroyed much property.
He noted that the scheme was initially introduced in 2017, but was suspended in order to give truck owners enough time to meet the required standards.
“The scheme stipulates that all trucks doing business inside the port must go through a safety audit and be certified as fit-for-purpose.
“Absence or defect of certain vehicle parts and accessories will disqualify a truck from certification.
“The safety inspection covers items that include the truck head, driver’s and vehicle particulars, trailer carriage unit, tyres, brake system, lifting jack, vehicle lights, driving mirror and speed limiter.
“The items checked will be recorded as satisfactory or non-satisfactory after inspection,” he said.
He solicited the support and co-operation of port users, especially truck owners, in keeping the ports safe.