The Chairman of the newly-formed Lagos State Truck and Cargo Operators Committee (LASTCOC), Alhaji Lukman Shittu Zangalo, has promised to pay attention and eradicate the various challenges facing truckers and cargo haulage operators in the state.
This is even as he pledged to embrace unity and collaboration as a means to ensure the unification of truckers in Lagos State.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the committee which held In Lagos on Friday, Zangalo articulated a fervent commitment to addressing the longstanding challenges faced by truckers and cargo haulage operators in Lagos State.
He noted that the committee marked the beginning of a new chapter for LASTOC and stands as a testament to the collective commitment to enhancing the conditions and efficiency of truckers and cargo operators in Lagos State.
He said, “I thank Lagos State Government for bringing up this committee to solve the problem of truckers in the state. I would try my best to end the suffering of truckers and cargo operators in Lagos State with the support of our elders, truckers, and members of the committee”.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Tiamiyu Oluwatosin, Assistant Director of the Ministry of Transportation, Lagos State, who represented the Commissioner; Dr. Frederick Oladeinde shed light on the persistent crises within the industry, expressing the government’s recognition of the need for resolution.
He declared that the newly formed committee was a strategic move to seamlessly manage trucking activities in collaboration with the Lagos State Government.
“We have been having lingering crisis in this industry, and we felt that it is time to resolve all this and that was why the committee was set up to run the activities of trucks seamlessly with Lagos state government” Oluwatosin stated.
Speaking also at the event, patron of the committee; Chief Remi Ogungbemi, expressed gratitude for the unprecedented initiative, labeling it a “milestone and spectacular occasion.”
Addressing the committee members, Ogungbemi underscored the significance of their appointment, urging them to view it as a call to service and a responsibility to ensure peace, orderliness, and sanity in the business environment. He congratulated the committee members and implored them to tighten their belts for the rigorous duties that lie ahead.
In a passionate plea to the Lagos State Government, Ogungbemi highlighted the pressing issue of street urchins waylaying trucks along the roads, leading to experienced truckers leaving the job.
He emphasized that resolving this problem is crucial to encouraging the return of seasoned professionals to the industry.
According to him “We also want to appeal to Lagos state government to end street urchins that are waylaying trucks along our roads; this has led to so many people leaving the job,” Ogungbemi stated.
In his concluding remarks, the patron called for unity among truckers, urging them to support the committee’s efforts by obeying traffic rules and regulations, ultimately creating a safer and more pleasant working environment.