The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has inaugurated a rescue team to tackle systemic leakages and exploitative practices affecting trucking operations.
AMATO National President, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Lagos executives and rescue team on Wednesday in Lagos.
Ogungbemi said the initiative formed part of efforts to address long-standing operational and safety challenges facing truckers servicing Lagos seaports.
He described the move as a shift toward practical, solution-driven interventions in a sector plagued by inefficiencies, financial strain and regulatory gaps.
Ogungbemi said the team would collaborate with traffic and enforcement agencies to clear obstructions, including broken-down trucks and fallen containers, to improve efficiency and safety.
He added that the team would be equipped with communication gadgets and motorbikes, while partnering towing operators pending deployment of AMATO’s assets.
“The initiative will complement efforts of agencies like the FRSC and LASTMA in maintaining order on Lagos roads,” Ogungbemi said.
He noted that poor recognition of trucks’ role in port logistics contributed to persistent challenges within the sector.
According to him, port privatisation removed designated truck parks, leading to indiscriminate parking along access roads.
Ogungbemi said such parking worsened congestion and operational inefficiencies within the port environment.
“Trucking is no longer as profitable as it used to be due to multiple layers of exploitation,” he said.
He cited infrastructure gaps, adding that AMATO proposed a standard marshalling yard to accommodate about 3,500 trucks serving Apapa and Tin Can ports.
Ogungbemi said the proposal had been submitted to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and referred to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
FRSC Lagos Sector Commander, Ganiyu Hamzat, disclosed plans to enforce regulations on unlatched containers from May 2026.
Hamzat said the enforcement would ensure all containers transported by trucks were properly secured before movement.
He noted that the measure aimed to reduce road hazards and prevent accidents linked to unstable cargo.
“We seek strategic partnership with AMATO for effective implementation of this exercise,” Hamzat said.
He congratulated the newly inaugurated executives, urging commitment and efficiency in their leadership roles.
Police Commissioner, Ports Authority Western Command, Toyin Agbaminoja, described the initiative as critical to strengthening safety and rapid response within ports.
Represented by an Inspector of police, Olubukola Sanni, she said the framework would enhance coordination and address emerging operational challenges.
Agbaminoja urged the new leadership to demonstrate integrity, responsibility and collaboration in discharging their duties.
Apapa Local Government Chairman, Idowu Sobanjo, encouraged periodic training to ensure compliance with legal frameworks.
Represented by Segun Moses, supervising counselor, she assured AMATO of the council’s support for improved traffic flow within the Apapa corridor.
