In the wake of a tragic truck-related accident that claimed the lives of two dispatch riders in Lagos recently, key stakeholders in Nigeria’s haulage and logistics industry have raised concerns over the increasing rate of fatal truck accidents across the country, especially along major industrial corridors like Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states. They warn that unless critical issues affecting driver behavior, vehicle conditions, infrastructure, and enforcement are addressed, more lives and properties will be lost.
Stakeholders including the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), and truck operators have expressed dissatisfaction with what they describe as a failure of government policy and infrastructure to adequately regulate and support safe trucking operations.
In an interview with Shipping Position Daily, Aloga Ogbogo, Executive Secretary of NARTO, identified a combination of factors responsible for the increasing carnage on the roads. He noted that while environmental and mechanical issues are important, human factors remain the most significant.
“Most accidents occur at bad spots along our roads, but many of them are actually caused by human failings. Stress and fatigue are common among drivers, especially those who spend four to five days on loading queues without adequate rest facilities. In such a state, even the most skilled driver is prone to errors. Government must create proper resting areas along truck routes,” he said.
Ogbogo added that extortion by area boys and enforcement agencies often forces drivers into dangerous maneuvers that may result in accidents. He also criticized the lack of government support for the trucking sector, despite its contribution to national logistics.
“We move over 80% of goods across the country, yet we have no intervention or modernization programme for the fleet. Many of the trucks on our roads are aged, poorly-maintained, and reflect the economic hardship in the country. This makes accidents inevitable,” he noted.
Muhammed Sanni Bala, Secretary of AMATO, in a chat with our correspondent also expressed alarm over the increasing rate of crashes involving articulated vehicles. He stressed that alcohol and drug abuse among drivers remains a serious concern that must be addressed by the government and the union leadership.
“AMATO has observed that a major cause of truck accidents is the abuse of alcohol and psychoactive substances. We urge the Lagos State Government and other relevant agencies to strictly enforce the ban on the sale of alcohol within 100 meters of truck parks and loading areas. Unfortunately, we still see hawkers selling these items within the port corridors, particularly where trucks are parked for long hours,” he stated.
Bala emphasized the need for more frequent sensitization and education of drivers on safety protocols, responsible behavior, and health management.
“Truck driving is not just a job, it’s a responsibility. Drivers must be aware of the dangers of substance use and fatigue. Our union is committed to continuous training, but we also need government support for enforcement,” he said.
Abdullahi Inuwa, a truck owner and logistics operator, in his reaction, lamented the harsh enforcement environment in Lagos and neighbouring states, which he said discourages drivers from making necessary stops when mechanical issues arise.
“If a truck develops a fault and the driver tries to pull over to check the engine or fix the issue, touts and enforcement officers pounce on them. Instead of offering assistance, they intimidate the driver, throw spikes or extort money. That’s why many drivers take the risk of continuing to drive despite the fault, which sometimes leads to fatal accidents,” he explained.
He added that the fear of harassment often discourages drivers from acting responsibly in moments of distress.
“There’s no provision for emergency stops or mechanical diagnosis zones. We need designated pull-over areas where trucks can be inspected or repaired without fear of assault,” he said.
On the statistics of lives lost to truck accidents, Inuwa admitted he didn’t have official figures, but noted that dozens of fatal crashes have occurred in recent months, affecting not just truck drivers, but also innocent road users, including motorcyclists and pedestrians.
“So many lives and properties have been lost. It’s a collective tragedy, and the government must intervene immediately,” he urged.
Meanwhile, truckers are also demanding an overhaul of the much-touted e-call-up system, which they argue has failed to live up to expectations. Ogbogo of NARTO questioned its effectiveness, noting that many trucks are still subjected to long queues and disorderly entry into loading areas.
“The e-call-up system was supposed to make things smoother — call in a truck, load, and exit. But what we have today is a joke. Trucks still spend days on the road, which increases fatigue and the likelihood of accidents,” he said.
