- Interagency collaboration needed for successful electronic call-up system
In the with the federal government’s efforts to enhance the efficiency of the nation’s seaports, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have reaffirmed commitment to ensure safety of cargoes via road haulage standardization
Both organizations strengthened their collaboration at a one-day sensitization programme themed: “Safe-To-Load on Nigerian Roads” which held in Lagos, on Wednesday.
At the summit, logistics experts have advised government agencies at Nigerian seaports to prioritize inter-agency collaboration in a bid to ensure optimal performance of the electronic truck call-up system for efficient port operations.
Recall that both agencies of the federal government in 2017 entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in a bid to proffer solutions to the recurring problems of accidents and deaths on the roads, enormous challenges hindering seamless evacuation and movement of cargo from the seaports to the hinterlands.
The MoU states that the two agencies shall engage in collaborative enlightenment programme for transporters and the general public with a view to ensuring safety of lives and cargoes in transit in Nigeria under the Road Transport Safety Standardization Scheme (RTSSS).
Speaking at the sensitization programme put together by the two agencies, the Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer, NSC, Barr. Pius Akutah reassured that the Council would continue to liase with the appropriate arms of the government with a view of identifying and solving problems affecting inland transportation as well as addressing factors influencing cost and efficiency.
Akutah noted that safety of cargoes and road infrastructure are critical to economy growth adding that the Council is saddled with diverse responsibilities of ensuring equity and fairness among stakeholders in the maritime industry.
According to him, truck drivers and other road users shouldn’t undergo fatigue or stress while on the wheels, opining that the brainstorming session of the programme would proffer solutions toward safety on the highways.
He observed that there is a nexus between the lack of safety of lives and cargoes on the highways and economic growth, therefore NSC and FRSC should work round the clock to put in place minimum safety requirements for fleet operations and all forms of haulage services in Nigeria.
“Safe to Load is more than just a slogan. It is a clarion call to action. A commitment to ensuring that every vehicle that sets out on our roads is roadworthy. Making sure that every Driver is qualified, cargoes are properly loaded, secured and transported to the end users in good condition and in the most economical way.”
“The Council is promoting Vehicle Transit Areas (VTAs) as a public rest area located off the road, designed to provide temporary rest for truck drivers. It is intended for short term breaks and also parking services where trucks can get fuel, food, restrooms, thereby promoting safety and security of lives, cargoes and haulage vehicles in transit,” the NSC boss posited.
On his part, Corps Marshal, FRSC, Shehu Mohammed stressed the need for investors in truck haulage to reap their investments without hindrance.
“The haulage business is contributing to the economic development of the country. And if there are problems and some security agents that are also offering the assistance and the movement of those trucks.”
“I think we need to also work together to bring it forward to the relevant authority, the national security advisor, and other relevant bodies that can give this input so that we make the environment, the space cleaner and more attractive for other haulage business that want to come in to be able to invest and reap their investment without hindrance,” the Corps Marshal remarked.
Earlier, Director, Inland Transport Services, NSC, Mrs. Ify Okolue said the collaborative efforts by both agencies is another opportunity to empower the motoring industry and the public through knowledge dissemination.
She harped on standardized fleet transport operations and entrenching a culture of safety consciousness in organizations and companies operating fleet of trucks, noting that the task of ensuring seamless movement of cargo from the seaports to the hinterland and other destinations is a collective one.
“The objectives of this programme amongst others are to enlighten drivers on how to curtail their excesses and prevent crashes that involve tankers, trailers and trucks at the point of loading, in transit and at final destinations, thus, ensuring seamless cargo movement, efficient, safe and timely service delivery,” Okolue said.
Highpoints of the sensitization programme was the paper presentations by haulage operators and officer of FRSC highlighting some of the causes of road accidents and proffering solutions.