Port Truckers Take Destiny Into their Hands, Partner NTVOA, Deploy 40 Heavy Duty Tow Trucks Across Lagos State
By DAPO OLAWUNI
In order to forestall recurring cases of extortion by Lagos State government committees and other non-state actors, truck owners operating at Lagos ports have entered into a new pact with the National Towing Vehicle Owners Association (NTVOA) in other to ensure efficient and prompt towing of trucks across the state, using its 40 heavy duty towing trucks.
This agreement was reached at a significant meeting held between the leadership of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), and the National Towing Vehicle Owners Association (NTVOA).
According to the resolution of the meeting made available to DAILY TREND on Tuesday by President of AMATO, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, the primary focus of the discussion was to revive and strengthen a partnership aimed at enhancing towing operations across Lagos State.
The collaboration according to him, seeks to streamline towing services, reduce operational costs for truckers, and ensure efficient project implementation.
Chief Ogunojemite told our correspondent that part of the agreement reached with the Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Shippers Council at a recent resolution meeting, was that truckers would be removing any of their trucks that breakdown through the State branch NTVOA.
“The body has over 40 heavy duty Tow Trucks that they are ready to deplore to various locations within Lagos metropolis for immediate removal of any of our trucks that breakdown day and night 24/7 without interference of any government agencies.
“We resolve to embark this arrangement because the involvement of government in the exercise is impacting negatively to our business, as their have become a cash cow to us” he said
The truckers have also established a joint committee with members drawn from AMATO, NARTO, MWUN, and NTVOA.
“This Committee will be responsible for developing rollout plans and working out the modalities for the successful launch and sustainability of the towing project.
“The Committee’s mandate includes creating a detailed blueprint to ensure the partnership’s objectives are met effectively and efficiently.
“A resolution was reached to formally notify relevant authorities and agencies to provide security support for the towing operations. This measure aims to prevent interference from unscrupulous state and non-state actors, ensuring uninterrupted and effective execution of the project.
“The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to expedite the formation of the joint committee, with members to be nominated from the collaborating organizations and NTVOA leadership.
“The committee will commence its work immediately, focusing on drafting actionable plans and timelines for the project’s rollout.
“Notifications will be sent to relevant Government agencies and security outfits to secure their cooperation and support for seamless implementation of the project with zero interference by street urchins and uniform extortion actors in the metropolis.
“The collaboration between AMATO, NARTO, MWUN, and NTVOA marks a proactive step toward enhancing towing operations in Lagos State. By combining resources, expertise, and zonal coverage, the partnership promises to deliver cost-effective, secure, and efficient towing services.
“The establishment of the joint committee to work out modalities for affordable towing fees and the call for security support underscore the commitment of all parties to ensuring the project’s success. This initiative is poised to benefit truckers, towing operators, and the broader logistics ecosystem in Lagos State”
