NPA To Begin Enforcement On Minimum Safety Standards For Trucks

Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reaffirmed commitment for the enforcement of the Minimum Safety Standards (MSS) on articulated trucks , saying it will impose stiffer penalties on truck drivers and owners to forestall a reoccurrence and serve as deterrence to those who operate in breach.

NPA in a statement signed by management and a copy  obtained by DAILY FOCUS NIGERIA on Tuesday, further said it will partner the Lagos State government and the Federal Road Service Corps (FRSC) to fully enforce the Minimum Safety Standards for trucks.

The Port Authority also expressed deep regrets and wishes to commiserate with the families of the nine persons who were trampled to death on Sunday, January 29, 2023, by a truck laden with container at the Ojuelegba corridor in Lagos.

Apparently saddened with the recent tragic accident in Lagos, the Nigerian Ports Authority deeply regrets and wishes to commiserate with the families of the nine (9) persons who were trampled to death on Sunday, January 29, 2023, when a container fell on the commuter bus at Ojuelegba, Surulere.

It stated that May the Almighty God grant them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.

“This very sad incidence further justifies the need for the full enforcement of the Minimum Safety Standards (MSS) for trucks, which the Nigerian Ports Authority has articulated enforcing, albeit with stiff resistance from some truck owners.

The Authority  further said it will convene a broad stakeholder engagement with truck owners, terminal operators, and off-dock workers at various locations to streamline the activities of the trucks.

“The Authority is poised more than ever before, in partnership with the Lagos State government and the Federal Road Service Corps, to fully enforce these Minimum Safety Standards for trucks and impose stiffer penalties on truck drivers and owners to forestall a reoccurrence and serve as deterrence to those who operate in breach.

“As a result of the foregoing and to avoid the recurrence of these tragic incidents and truck breakdowns on the highway, the Authority will convene a broad stakeholder engagement with truck owners, terminal operators, and off-dock workers at various locations to streamline the activities of these trucks and reiterate Zero Tolerance for violations of the Minimum Safety Standards.

“There is, however, an ongoing investigation to track the container loading port and terminal to establish a failure to adhere to best practices in articulated vehicle management.

“The Authority assures the general public that whoever is responsible for this breach of procedure will face the harshest sanctions.

“In order to protect against the loss of lives and properties due to these avoidable accidents, the Authority will fully enforce the minimum safety standards for trucks in all the ports, particularly in Lagos, where these needless accidents are becoming commonplace.”

Recall that management of NPA in 2016 introduced the Minimum Safety Standards for articulated trucks but failed to yield positive result to reduce traffic and incessant accidents on the highways.