Senior Special Assistant to the President on Maritime Matters, Mr Olugbenga Leke Oyewole has commended the Association of Maritime Trucks Owners [AMATO] for initiating a scheme that is aimed at easing the chaotic transport situation around Nigeria’s maritime environment in Lagos
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Maritime Matters, Mr Olugbenga Leke Oyewole has commended the Association of Maritime Trucks Owners [AMATO] for initiating a scheme that is aimed at easing the chaotic transport situation around Nigeria’s maritime environment in Lagos
Mr. Oyewole gave this commendation in Lagos on Monday after the inspection of facilities at the International Trade Fair Complex along Lagos-Badagry expressway provided by a consortium of private sector operators which include AMATO, National Association of Road Transport Owners [NARTO], Road Transport Employers Association [RETAN].
He described the scheme as a classical example of President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda, which, according to him, will reduce congestion at the nation’s seaports thereby enhancing trade facilitation in Nigeria.
The Presidential Aide noted that the initiative will provide logistics to ports operations, reduce corruption and enhance security in the Maritime industry as the human element in transactions at the ports will be eliminated.
He urged owners of the scheme to develop a synergy with Nigerian Ports Authority and all stakeholders in order to achieve the objectives of the scheme.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Multi-Aulic Limited, the concessionaire, who is piloting the scheme, Alhaji Alhassan Dantata, while conducting the Presidential Aide round the facilities, asserted that his company has taken the step as a way of contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy as a private sector operator.
He told his guest that the complex comprises of four terminals and each will have a recreation centre, eateries, toilets and other facilities when fully in operation, stating that up to five thousand trucks are to be accommodated within the complex.
According to Alhaji Dantata one of the advantages of the centre is its proximity to the ports and that a ten lane Lagos-Badagry road under construction will boost the operations of the centre.
The Managing Director disclosed that one of the terminals is intended to be dedicated to export processing, and this is to serve as a one stop shop for export processing services, noting that the centre will also provide a large cold room.
He revealed that the chaotic traffic situation in the port environment will be cleared of truck as no truck driver will be allowed to leave the terminal unless such a driver is called to the port for cargo evacuation.
Alhaji Dantata also disclosed that all old and rickety trucks will soon disappear from the roads as arrangement has been made to replace them, and pointed out that two thousand new trucks have been ordered for that purpose.
Answering a question on water, security and power supply in the complex asked by the General Manager, Public Affairs of Nigerian Ports Authority, Captain Ebubeogu, AlhajiDantata said boreholes have been sunk for water supply, the entrance gate will be electronically controlled and will be lit twenty four hours, sniffer dogs are being trained and that a sixty KVA power generator will be on standby for 24 hours power supply.
Chairman of AMATO Chief Remi Ogungbemi thanked the concessionaire and the federal government for coming to the rescue of truck drivers and owners through the provision of the centre.
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