7 hours Ago By Guardian Nigeria
Maritime transport groups are ready to deploy over 40 heavy-duty tow trucks across various locations in Lagos to ensure the immediate removal of broken-down trucks. The groups involved in this initiative include the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN). The organisations have entered a partnership with the National Towing Vehicle Owners Association (NTVOA) to enhance towing operations in the state.
As part of the collaboration, the groups have established a joint committee responsible for developing rollout plans and defining the operational framework to ensure the sustainability of the project. The committee’s mandate includes developing a comprehensive blueprint to guide the partnership’s objectives, creating actionable plans and timelines for an efficient project rollout and ensuring seamless coordination among stakeholders. According to AMATO President, Remi Ogungbemi, the primary objective of the meeting is to revive and strengthen the partnership to improve towing operations in the state.
Ogungbemi stated that a resolution was reached with the Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), allowing truckers to remove their broken-down vehicles exclusively through the NTVOA’s Lagos State branch. He said the collaboration would streamline towing services, reduce operational costs for truckers and ensure efficient implementation of the project. Ogungbemi emphasised that the NTVOA has over 40 heavy-duty tow trucks ready for deployment at any time, ensuring swift removal of broken-down trucks without interference from government agencies.
“We decided on this arrangement because government involvement in the process has negatively impacted our business. It has become a ‘cash cow’ for them,” he said. He said as part of the resolutions, the groups agreed to formally notify relevant authorities and security agencies to protect towing operations.
Ogungbemi said this measure aims to prevent interference from unscrupulous individuals and ensure uninterrupted service delivery. This will ensure a seamless implementation of the project, free from street urchins and uniformed extortionists operating in the metropolis,” Ogungbemi added. He noted that by pooling resources and expertise, the collaboration is expected to deliver cost-effective, secure, and efficient towing services.
Ogungbemi stressed that the establishment of the joint committee to determine affordable towing fees and the request for security support reflect the commitment of all parties to the project’s success. “This initiative is set to benefit truckers, towing operators, and the broader logistics ecosystem in Lagos State,” he concluded..
