The Lagos State branch Chairman of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO); Alhaji Sikiru Kaka, has said that, apart from government, the transport sector is the highest employer of labour in Nigeria
He disclosed this yesterday in Lagos at the inauguration of the Alaba market unit of the association.
He said that currently, the association is representing the interest of the Nigerian transporters in the West African Road Transport Union (WARTU) so as to integrate the Nigerian transporters into the mainstream of economic development of the sub region.
He also implored members to eschew violence and ensure maximum cooperation and excellent working relationship with road traffic law enforcement agencies despite the enormous challenges confronting them in the daily running of their businesses.
The NARTO Chairman also acknowledged that Lagos state is a major hub of transportation business in Nigeria, even as he added that the Alaba Unit is to further boost this.
Speaking further he said, “NARTO is currently representing the interest of the Nigerian transporters in the West African Transport Union (WARTO) which is an auspices of ECOWAS so as to integrate the Nigerian transporters within the mainstream of economic development of the sub region. We are aware of the enormous challenges confronting our members in the day to day running of their businesses especially in Lagos.
“We are aware that Lagos state accommodates the greater percentage of the transportation business in Nigeria. Therefore the important role of the state to the nation cannot be overemphasized and that initiated our resolve to get closer to the grassroots and that was the brain behind what we are doing today which is trying to get closer to our members at the grassroots, that is the reason we are inaugurating Alaba unit”, he added.
“We are enjoying a wonderful synergy with government agencies because before government can embark on policies, they will first meet the transporters because they are stakeholders. We are grateful to Lagos state Governor; Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, he has tried so very much to ensure that stakeholders are carried along in the policies of the government”
“The closure of marine bridge is one of the important duties of the government, the government is meant to provide good roads and other amenities that will aid our business” he said.
I am therefore advising the newly inaugurated executives to ensure that they take decisions concerning our members collectively and try as much as possible to ensure that meetings are held regularly.
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