Ahead of the October 2, 2104 commencement of enforcement of what it called Minimum Safety Standards for Trucks in Nigerian ports, the Nigerian Ports Authourity (NPA) has released specifics criteria that such trucks must meet.
Ahead of the October 2, 2104 commencement of enforcement of what it called Minimum Safety Standards for Trucks in Nigerian ports, the Nigerian Ports Authourity (NPA) has released specifics criteria that such trucks must meet.
In a circular on the new regulation which was addressed to stakeholders and which was sighted by our correspondent last week, NPA said that, as from October 2, all trucks coming into the port must be neat, generally presentable and all operational devices and control in goods working condition, while the truck’s windscreen must be double glazed; no plastic or crack windscreen.
It added that, “the driver and passenger seat must be in good condition with appropriate safety devices e.g safety belt”.
“The vehicle particulars must be valid e.g vehicle license, roadworthiness, insurance, the driver must possess appropriate and valid driver’s license”.
As for the trucks main body, the directive is that, “the carriage must be appropriate for the load i.e flat bed for containerize goods while bucket rigid body for general goods, the tonnage of the load should be equal or less than the axle load carrying capacity, the carriage unit must be fitted with reflector, trafficators and warning signs”.
“Starting and stopping of an engine must be by the driver via the ignition key and stopping button or switch respectively, engine radiator must be covered at all times without overheating sign, excessive engine exhaust smoke is not acceptable, engine generally must be washed periodically”.
“Fire extinguishers must be available and functional, the horn must be functionally audible, must meet the road safety standard. The trailer must be fitted with functional amber – revolving light, two caution signs with warning signal/light must be carried on the truck”
There are others which border on tyres, breaking system, lifting jack, wedges, battery, trafficators and fuel tank.
Shipping Position Daily recalls that last week, Apapa Port Manager; Mr Anas Nasir, had hinted of the new requirements, even as he added that the move was to ensure the trucks met basic international safety requirements for maritime operations.
And in a swift reaction to the arrangement, the Chairman of Association of Maritime Truck Owners; Chief Remi Ogungbemi, said that his members were ready and were making effort to adjust to the standards.
“We are aware of NPA’s plan to begin the enforcement of the standard for the trucks, so, it is not going to take us unaware,” he said.
Ogungbemi said the initiative would encourage people to maintain their trucks and it would impact on their business positively.
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