The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Pius Akutah has pledged the Council’s protection for the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) and their drivers and trucks against hoodlums harassment and attacks.
Speaking during a meeting with AMATO representatives on Tuesday in Lagos, Akutah reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to ensuring that maritime logistics, particularly road transportation, operate smoothly and without disruptions.
Akutah said: “We are dedicated to maintaining a safe environment that allows for the seamless movement of cargo to the hinterlands.”
Akutah explained that the Council had promptly responded to a formal complaint received from AMATO and had begun consultations aimed at finding lasting solutions. He added: “We understand the impact of these disruptions on the economy and are fully committed to resolving them swiftly,” he added.
General Secretary of AMATO, Mr. Bala Mohammed, highlighted the difficulties faced by their members, citing the brutalization of drivers and the vandalization of trucks by hoodlums.
He expressed concern that these attacks not only jeopardize business operations but also disrupt the timely evacuation of goods from the ports, impacting the entire supply chain.
Mohammed warned that AMATO was on the verge of withdrawing its services, as the current situation was unsustainable and detrimental to their clients.
Among AMATO’s key demands were the enforcement of the 2004 Tax and Levy Act, the establishment of an anti-hoodlum task force similar to the one protecting BRT buses, and the cessation of touts used by enforcement agencies.
These measures, they argued, are essential to safeguard truckers and ensure the smooth flow of goods across Lagos State.
Responding, Akutah assured that both the Federal and State governments are already involved in discussions to resolve the issue. “The NSC is actively working on this, and we will ensure that security agencies are mobilized to protect lives and properties,” he said.
He encouraged AMATO to maintain their operations while the Council engaged with relevant stakeholders, including the Lagos State Government, to address the matter.
“You have invested so much; we cannot stand by and watch your business suffer. Rest assured, the Minister is also looking into stabilizing the sector.”
