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FG to designate inland dry port as port of origin – Jime

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council  (NSC) Mr Emmanuel Jime, says the Federal Ministry of Transportation is in the process of designating all dry ports to be port of origin and destination.

Jime made this known at a  stakeholders sensitisation programme/launch of Operational Manual for Inland Dry Ports in Nigeria,  while allaying stakeholders’ fears on efficiency of the ports.

The programme was organised by the NSC on  the auspices of the Federal ministry of transportation in Lagos State.

According to Jime, the inland dry ports was conceived to operate in the same way as the seaport, the only difference is that there is no sea where the dry port is established.

“This implies that all the agencies of government that are concerned with cargo clearance in the seaport like the Nigeria Customs Service will be present in the dry port.

“Also the Federal ministry of transportation designating all the dry ports to be port of origin and destination,  clearly indicates that the ports are made effectively to function the same way as the seaports.

“So stakeholders will not experience any constraints as they are learning from mistakes experienced at the seaport.

“Also, two months ago, I had the privilege of sitting with the comptroller general of customs and we instituted a Memorandum of Understanding  (MoU) with customs to provide an enabling environment to ensure efficacy of the dry port,” he said.

Jime said the strategic importance of producing the manual which articulated the step-by-step procedures for receiving, storing, handling and delivery of cargoes as well as highlighting the operations, responsibilities of agencies and timelines for discharging such tasks was sine- quanon.

“The operators and regulators are compelled to abide by the operational processes as contained in the manual.

“ The manual describes functions and activities of the dry ports and specifies layout designs, outlines the activities that are to be performed, laying down the sequence of operations, address operations’ procedures as it relates to export and import activities and others,” he said.

He noted that the manual was based on best international practices adapted to suite Nigerian context.

He added that each dry port would have its own specialties, organisational implementation, layout constraints, and services offered and would therefore amend aspect of the manual in a case-by-case basis.

“It may be pertinent to state that this manual will be used as a measure of performance by the regulator (NSC) and will be subjected to future review to be in tandem with obtainable best practices, upon agreement of the two parties (operator and regulator),” he said.

The Minister of Transportation, Mr Muazu Sambo while unveiling the manual,  observed with joy the collaboration the ministry, NSC were forming with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Nigerian Ports Authority, customs and other stakeholders to ensure its implementation.

“Equally appreciate state governments  where these inland dry ports are located. It is indeed worthy of note that these govemments donate land free from all encumbrances, pay compensations where necessary, and provide infrastructure.

“I urge participants to take full advantage of this sensitisation workshop for full implementation of the operational manual as a workable policy document that will drive the operations of the Inland dry ports in Nigeria,” he said.

Muazu represented by Mr Victor Ewache, Deputy Director, Inland Container Depot of the ministry of transportation,  noted that the operational manual would guide inland dry ports in Nigeria.

Also, Mr Leonard Ogamba, President, Lagos State Shippers Association noted that the manual was a document that would bring pressure to bear on government agencies when they failed to do  the needful.

Mr Remi Ogungbemi, President, Association of Maritime Truck Owners(AMATO) urged the ministry to remove all  difficulties that hindered cargo evacuation at the port so that the manual would work effectively.

Mr Ayodele Durowaiye, Assistant General Manager Operations, NPA, noted that the country port was operating way beyound their capacity and so the need to introduce the inland dry ports.

“The only way to optimise the port is to have facilities like this, it will provide options for shippers and consignees if they function effectively,” he said.

Mr Ajibola Odusanya, Customs Deputy Controller in charge of administration at the Apapa port,  noted that customs was ready to collaborate and cooperate to make the vision to come true.

“To ensure  decongestion at the port, customs have introduced scanners for  smooth operations and they will ensure that officers escort  containers to the inland depot at any given time,” he said.

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Nigeria reaffirms Shippers’ Council as port economic regulator

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Dr Magdalene Ajani,  the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, on Friday reiterated that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) remained the only port economic regulator.

Ajani made the pronouncement at the sensitisation seminar with the theme: “Promoting Competitiveness in the Maritime Industry: The Mandate of Nigerian Shippers’ Council,” in Lagos.

She noted that the Federal Government in 2015 declared the council as the port economic regulator.

Ajani said that as the port economic regulator, NSC was saddled with the responsibility to institute effective regulation at ports, working with other government agencies.

She, however, enjoined all stakeholders in the maritime industry to give the council the needed cooperation and support.

“I want us to note that while shippers council is the port economic regulator, the Nigerian Ports Authority remains the technical and operational regulator. This is very key so that we understand the distinct role between the two agencies.

“Having realised that these two agencies are working within the mandate of the law of Nigeria, we, therefore, urge all those in court to have a rethink.

“This is for us to enable a good progression in the marine ecosystem and deliver the Nigerian economy of our dream,” she said.

Ajani said that the council port economic regulatory mandate and rules should be reflected in the port concession agreement under review and other subsequent agreement.

“Relying on the sub-existing order on the port economic regulation as issued by the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I hereby reaffirm that the Nigerian Shippers’Council remains the interim port economic regulator in our nation’s port.

“This is pending the establishment and operationalisation of the national transport commission as an independent regulatory authority in the transport sector,” she said.

Ajani recalled that the nation’s port prior to 2006 port concession agreement had the lowest level of efficiency with anomalies such as imposition of different tariffs and shortage of modern cargo handling equipment, among others.

She noted that the NSC was appointed as an interim port economic regulator in 2014 to fill the vacuum and address the challenges bedeviling the port system.

Ajani said that the major objective of government in appointing the NSC as  an interim port economic regulator was to create an effective regulatory regime at the port.

“The port economic regulator organ as gazetted has provided for various functions and roles of the council in line with the provisions of section 3c, f and j of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act cap 133 Law of the Federation 2004,” she said.

Earlier, Mr Emmanuel Jime, the Executive Secretary, NSC, noted that the port as a critical infrastructure needed to be competitive and should not be for free entry and exit.

According to Jime, this is in order for its users to enjoy the benefit of lower prices and efficient service delivery usually associated competition.

“It is against this backdrop that the Federal Government of Nigeria, pursuant to the Nigerian Shippers Council Act Cap N133 LFN 2004, appointed NSC as the Ports Economic Regulator.

“The aim is to create an effective regulatory regime at the Nigerian ports for control of tariffs, rates, charges and other related economic services, make the transportation sector efficient and contribute positively to the development of the nation’s economy,” he said

Jime noted that the council could only achieve its mandate with the support and collaboration of all players in the industry.

Also Bongo Adi, Professor of Development Economics and Data Analytics, Lagos Business School, said that the port system was a natural monopolistic system and needed regulation to protect public interest.

Speaking on the theme, Adi lamented that the council could not regulate effectively due to pre-concession issues.

He called for an introduction of standards of operations for operators in the market space to make NSC regulation easier.

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Calabar Port receives 72 vessels in 5 months

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The Calabar Port Manager, Mr Festus Olumati, on Saturday said that the vessel traffic at the port complex between the months of January and May was 72.

Olumati gave the figure during the visit of the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, to the Calabar Port.

The port manager said that between January and May 2022, vessel traffic into Calabar Port recorded high returns with huge corresponding increase in the revenue of the authority.

“Within the period under review, the Gross Register Tonnage (GRT) is 1,611,441 and a cargo throughput of 990,154.

“Cargo turn around time is four days per ship, with 16 container 24-foot Equivalent Unit (TEUs) and 15 per cent berth occupancy.

“From January to May 2022, our revenue growth earnings increased as follows: revenue generated in dollars, $6.6 million, while the actual revenue in dollars collected was $5.8 million.

“The revenue generated in naira is N646 million and the revenue collected in naira is N309.2 million,” he said.

Olumati stated that the Calabar Port Complex had been reconnected to the national grid, as the management had resolved the frosty relationship between the NPA, Calabar Port Complex and the Calabar Electricity Distribution Company (CEDC).

He said that despite huge improvements, the Calabar Port was still faced with some growing challenges impeding its attainment of her full capacity as one of the fastest-growing ports in Nigeria.

He listed some of the challenges to include: Low depth of the Calabar Port water channel, which required full dredging, collapsed berth at the shoreline jetty, abandonment of Delta Queen Rig since 2012 and others.

Responding, Bello-Koko said that he would ensure that the berth occupancy, which stood at 15 per cent, be improved.

With regard to the issue of light and encroachment on the port land, he urged the port manager to ensure that whatever had been collected back be put to proper use, to avoid encroachment.

He congratulated the staff for the berthing of a vessel at the port, noting that it was a big feat, and also appreciated them for attaining the ISO certification.

“I hope we get to see that we don’t celebrate this after another year or month. Management will work with you to ensure that it becomes a new normal in the port.

“Dear colleagues, it gives me pleasure to physically engage with you today.

“As you must have noticed from my several correspondence through email, we are committed to openness of communication between management and staff.

“Your opinion and idea matter to us and as such, we will appreciate constructive feedback from you through appropriate channels.

“The task of ensuring that our strategic intent to be the maritime hub for sustainable port services in Africa goes beyond mere rhetorics, it’s a collective one.

“This is why I expect that all hands should be on deck,” he said.

Bello-Koko stated that all hands being on deck would ensure not only to meet, but to also surpass stakeholders’ expectations and add greater value to the national economy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Calabar Port Complex stands on the threshold of about 45 nautical miles, which is approximately 83 kilometers, comprising the Old Port, the New Port and the Dockyard.

Currently, Calabar Port is operated by three world class Terminal Operators namely: ECM Terminal Ltd., INTELS Nigeria Ltd. and Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Ltd.

Nigeria-Ports-Authority-Apapa-Terminal

Calabar Port complex receives 72 vessels within 5 months

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The Calabar Port Manager, Mr Festus Olumati, on Saturday said that the vessel traffic at the port complex between the months of January and May was 72.

Olumati gave the figure during the visit of the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, to the Calabar Port.

The port manager said that between January and May 2022, vessel traffic into Calabar Port recorded high returns with huge corresponding increase in the revenue of the authority.

“Within the period under review, the Gross Register Tonnage (GRT) is 1,611,441 and a cargo throughput of 990,154.

“Cargo turn around time is four days per ship, with 16 container 24-foot Equivalent Unit (TEUs) and 15 per cent berth occupancy.

“From January to May 2022, our revenue growth earnings increased as follows: revenue generated in dollars, $6.6 million, while the actual revenue in dollars collected was $5.8 million.

“The revenue generated in naira is N646 million and the revenue collected in naira is N309.2 million,” he said.

Olumati stated that the Calabar Port Complex had been reconnected to the national grid, as the management had resolved the frosty relationship between the NPA, Calabar Port Complex and the Calabar Electricity Distribution Company (CEDC).

He said that despite huge improvements, the Calabar Port was still faced with some growing challenges impeding its attainment of her full capacity as one of the fastest-growing ports in Nigeria.

He listed some of the challenges to include: Low depth of the Calabar Port water channel, which required full dredging, collapsed berth at the shoreline jetty, abandonment of Delta Queen Rig since 2012 and others.

Responding, Bello-Koko said that he would ensure that the berth occupancy, which stood at 15 per cent, be improved.

With regard to the issue of light and encroachment on the port land, he urged the port manager to ensure that whatever had been collected back be put to proper use, to avoid encroachment.

He congratulated the staff for the berthing of a vessel at the port, noting that it was a big feat, and also appreciated them for attaining the ISO certification.

“I hope we get to see that we don’t celebrate this after another year or month. Management will work with you to ensure that it becomes a new normal in the port.

“Dear colleagues, it gives me pleasure to physically engage with you today.

“As you must have noticed from my several correspondence through email, we are committed to openness of communication between management and staff.

“Your opinion and idea matter to us and as such, we will appreciate constructive feedback from you through appropriate channels.

“The task of ensuring that our strategic intent to be the maritime hub for sustainable port services in Africa goes beyond mere rhetorics, it’s a collective one.

“This is why I expect that all hands should be on deck,” he said.

Bello-Koko stated that all hands being on deck would ensure not only to meet, but to also surpass stakeholders’ expectations and add greater value to the national economy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Calabar Port Complex stands on the threshold of about 45 nautical miles, which is approximately 83 kilometers, comprising the Old Port, the New Port and the Dockyard.

Currently, Calabar Port is operated by three world class Terminal Operators namely: ECM Terminal Ltd, INTELS Nigeria Ltd and Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Ltd.

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African countries eye Kano Dry Inland Port

Four countries – Niger Republic, Chad, Cameroon and Central African Republic – will patronise the Dala Inland Dry Port in Kano State,  Govrernor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano said on Saturday.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Abba Anwar.

Anwar stated that Ganduje made the disclosure when he visited the facility.

“Niger Republic, Chad, Cameroon and Central Africa Republic have indicated their interests and readiness to use the Kano Dry Port for their imports and exports.

“They all accepted to get across to Kano State and send their officials to come and discuss with the state over the modus operandi of the new dry port, before it takes off,’’ he quoted Ganduje as saying.

According to Anwar, Ganduje expressed his gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment at creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state and in the country in general.

“His commitment and seriousness signify his love for the state to bounce back economically as a commercial hub for the northern part of Nigeria,’’ Anwar also quoted Ganduje as saying.

Ganduje also called on the would-be-managers of the port to make sure that they run everything digitally.

“We are in a digital world. You should therefore make sure that you comply with digital demands and operate within the realm of global best practice,’’ the governor said.

Ganduje expressed satisfaction at the level of progress and commitment of contractors and consultants on the project.

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Lilypond Terminal now non-oil export processing facility

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Thursday affirmed the designation of the Lilypond Container Terminal in Ijora, Lagos as a specialised processing and handling facility.

The facility would be for the exportation of the country’s locally made finished and agricultural goods.

Managing Director of the NPA, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko made this known in a statement signed by Mr Ibrahim Nasiru, General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications.

He explained that the move would ease the bureaucratic and logistical bottlenecks faced by exporters, thereby promoting better access of the country’s non-oil exports into international markets.

The NPA MD made the pronouncement at the NPA’s Special Day celebration at the ongoing 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna State.

He disclosed that the Lilypond Terminal would offer exporters a one-stop space to carry out their transactions at a reduced cost and time, thereby increasing their profit margin and competitiveness in the international market.

According to him, the fair’s 2022 theme: ‘Re-strategizing Nigerian Economy for Global Competitiveness” underscores the Federal Government’s agenda on the diversification of the economy away from reliance on hydrocarbons.

He noted that it would be by focusing on industrial development, especially local manufacturing and large scale food production.

“NPA has initiated several strategies to maximise the movement of non-oil exports across the country’s borders.

“We are currently in discussion with the terminal operators to give priority to exportation of agricultural produce and solid minerals.

“This will stimulate our domestic economy, create thousands of jobs and increase the revenue profile of government at all levels,”he posited.

Belo-Koko further said that ‘’the Nigerian port industry remains a prime economic driver, bearing in mind that 85 per cent by volume of the country’s trade are handled through the port.

He added that maritime transport remains the main gateway to the global marketplace, ocean ports a central and necessary component in facilitating trade among nations.

“Ports are catalysts for economic development as they enable trade and support supply chains. Recognizing how huge our role as custodian of ports necessitates continuous participation at Trade Exhibitions like this,” he said.

The NPA helmsman expressed the strong belief that Nigeria should be the hub of international trade in Africa, being the largest economy on the continent.

“If we can harness those immense talents of our huge, enterprising, intelligent and determined youths, along with the vast array of natural resources we are endowed with, Nigeria will be among the first world countries in a decade,” he said.

On plans to position Nigerian seaports as preferred cargo destination, he noted that he had led the campaign for the actualisation of the first of its kind, the Lekki Deep Seaport, which had reached 81 percent completion stage.

He disclosed that operations at the new port was expected to commence in the last quarter of the year.

“The Lekki Deep Seaport is designed to be the deepest port in West Africa and will be a significant game-changer in Nigeria’s maritime economy.

“This multi-purpose port is expected to generate more than 170,000 direct and indirect jobs when completed, ” he said.

He noted that the authority in conjunction with sister agencies began implementation of the Nigerian Port Process Manual (NPPM) engender transparency, efficiency and reduce the cost of doing business at the port.

He said that the manual outlines the harmonized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of Agencies operating in the maritime industry.

He urged the Kaduna Chambers of Commerce and Industry Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) to join in the campaign to market the economic benefits of the Kaduna Inland Dry Port (KIDP) to the business community in the State.

“The dry port facility will help bring shipping services closer to business owners and residents of Kaduna, as it can handle both import and export cargoes, he added.

Also, KADCCIMA President, Alhaji Suleiman Aliyu described NPA as the artery of the nation’s economy, in view of its strategic role in trade facilitation and providing access for businesses to trade across International borders.

He acknowledged that Nigeria recently signed an agreement that would enhance the flow of goods between Nigeria and Chad.

Aliyu, represented by Surveyor Ishaya Idi, Vice President of the Chamber, commended the Authority for its steadfastness and contribution to the growth of the Chamber.

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Dredging key for Onitsha River Port concession benefits – Shippers

The Shippers Association of Lagos State (SALS) says dredging of the Onitsha River Port key for optimal utilisation and concession benefits.

President SALS, Rev. Jonathan Nicole, disclosed on Tuesday in Lagos.

Nicole spoke against the backdrop of the concessioning of Onitsha River Port by the Federal Government to Messrs Universal Elysium Consortium for 30 years.

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) on Feb. 3 said that the Federal Executive Council had given approval for the concession of the Onitsha River Port.

According to the acting Head, Media and Publicity, ICRC, Manji Yarling, the Federal Government will generate over N50 billion from the 30-year concession of the Onitsha River Port.

Yarling said the concession was approved under a rehabilitate, operate and transfer (ROT) arrangement.

Nicole added that the dredging would make waterways and port navigable and as well assist coastal protection.

“The river port also has a natural phenomena during dry season, the river is filled with sand during the period.

“We believe all of these have been put into consideration before the concession for 30 years. Nothing is impossible to do when the time comes.

“The concession agreement has not yet been made public for us to see if cargo owners using the port will be given concessions due to navigational delays, security and safety to cargo.

“We congratulate the concessioners and wish them the best of luck in their huge investments for 30 years,” he said.

Nicole, however, noted that the port was strategic for transporting goods to the southeast from Lagos, Port Harcourt and its environs.

He urged the Anambra State Government to provide the enabling environment for port duties in Ontisha.

“Presently, the Onitsha port is not functional at all because people will not like to risk their goods through routes that are not navigational.

“It takes two weeks or more to move containers from Lagos to Onitsha by road, while it will take less than three days by water, this is more economical and so the plan is a welcome one.

“We are looking at a difficult situation being solved by a group of business men in Onitsha port and that is good for them,” he said.

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Federal government approves concession of Onitsha River Port

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) says the Federal Government has approved the 30-year concession of the Onitsha River Port which is expected to generate N50 billion.

A statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Head, Media and Publicity, Manji Yarling, said that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) gave the approval on Wednesday.

According to her, the port will serve as an alternative source of transporting goods to the South East from Lagos, Port Harcourt and other areas with adequate water connectivity.

The port is one of the four River Ports in the country with others situated in Lokoja, Kogi State; Baro in Niger State and Oguta in Imo State.

She also said that the concession was approved under a Rehabilitate-Operate and Transfer (ROT) arrangement.

She added that the approval followed a detailed process under the regulatory guidance of the ICRC which commenced in 2011 with support from the World Bank.

“The Onitsha River Port was officially opened over three decades ago but has been neglected and not being optimally utilised.

“This concession is part of the bigger Federal Government’s plan to concession the remaining river ports and enhance inland waterways transportation in the country.

“The 30-year concession is expected to generate over N50 billion to the Federal Government and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

“(It will) facilitate more efficient trade within the country through cheaper, easier and cleaner method of transporting goods and services.

“It is equipped to deal with general cargo such as containers, bulk cargo and other packaged freight.”

Giving details of the ports size, Yarling said that it had a land area of over 12 hectares, a 324 meters long wharf with a further provision for additional expansion of 234 meters.

She added that the port also has facilities such as storage workshops and parking areas to cater for operations.

ICRC was established to regulate Private Public Partnership (PPP) endeavours of the Federal Government aimed at addressing Nigeria’s physical infrastructure deficit.

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Dala dry port gulps over N5bn, ready in March

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The Chairman, Dala Inland Dry Port (IDP) in Kano state, Abubakar Bawuro, says the management has so far spent over N5billion on its construction.

Bawuro made the disclosure during a visit on the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr Emmanuel Jime, on Tuesday, in Abuja.

The chairman said the project, which would be ready for inauguration in March, will further boost business relations between Nigeria and the Niger Republic.

According to him, over 80 per cent of work on the project had already been completed and the rest should be done by the end of February.

He said extensive work had been accomplished in key areas of the ports, including the stacking area of the sea ports containers, the warehouse, the administrative block, electricity supply and the access roads network.

”If you look at them and assess them averagely, we can safely claim that we have attained over 80 per cent completion.

”We want to assure you that we will work 24/7 to ensure that we achieve the goal of realising and commissioning the port by the end of March.

“The idea of the port is not just to limit its operation to Nigeria, but that through the rail link of Kano-Maradi, do more businesses in Niger and other neighbouring countries,” he said.

Bawuro said the state government had spent about N2.7 billion, while private investors had taken over the completion of the warehouse, stacking area, administrative block, security arrangement and ICT, among others.

The chairman, who commended the efforts of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, in the various sub-sectors of the project, appealed to him to attract President Muhammadu Buhari for the inauguration of the port.

While also recognising the efforts of NSC’s Executive Secretary, the chairman appealed for more support from the council to achieve the essence of the port.

Responding, the NSC boss, Mr Emmanuel Jime pledged to render every necessary support to ensure the success of the Dala IDP.

”Not only will this project be viable and open up shipping trend in the whole of Northern Nigeria, but it will assist this country to become the maritime hub that we wish to be in the whole West African sub-region.

”The IDP will decongest the ports, make business more cost effective, among others.

”We will continue to be very robust in our engagement with you to allow for greater publicity, to enable people know you have such facility existing, so businesses will take advantage of it,” he said.

He commended the Kano state government for its support to the project, while urging other state governments to take a cue and emulate the gesture.

The executive secretary urged the concessionaires to ensure good quality service, to ensure the viability of the port.

Nigeria begins data capturing of heavy duty trucks

Unworthy trucks denied access to port

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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.

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