By Sylva OBASI
The Lagos Port Complex of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Wednesday held a Sensitization program on Minimum Safety Standards (MSS) for truck drivers operating within Apapa Port.
The Awareness Creation program which was well attended by truck owners and truck drivers had notable dignitaries in attendance who took turns to address the participants on how to maintain minimum safety standards while driving in order to reduce road accidents and fatalities involving trucks and truck drivers within the Lagos Port corridor.
Platform Reporters which covered the event reports that the occasion afforded the truck drivers an opportunity to learn safety guidelines and ask questions on safety tips that would help them drive with zero accidents.
Present at the Sensitization program were: Mr Lawal Adebowale, Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex; Engr Mukhtar, Safety Department, Lagos Port Complex
3. Mrs Olanipeku, Principal Manager/Head of Occupational Health Department, Lagos Port Complex; Mr. Bamgbasa Sulaiman, representative of the General Manager, LASTMA; and Mr Oyediji Rep., Federal Road Safety Corp.
Others are Chief Remi Ogungbemi, President of AMATO; Engr Akhigbe Joseph, representative of the Assistant General Manager, Safety NPA HQ; Engr Garba Ombugadu, Head of Transport Unit NPA HQ; Mr Adekunle Rep SAMCHAM Transport; Mr. Akindele of ABTL and Mr Emmanuel Uko from APM Terminals.
Addressing the participants, the Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Mr Adebowale Lawal acknowledged the importance of truck owners and truck drivers in maintaining seamless port operations. He noted that the Sensitization program on Minimum Safety Standards became necessary to ensure accident-free operations within Apapa ports.
Speaking further, Mr Adebowale assured the truck drivers of NPA cooperation in ensuring free flow of traffic within the port premises devoid of accidents and fatalities.
He also warned that following the sensitization program, from next week Monday, no truck driver would be allowed entry into the port if he is not wearing a safety vest.
Also speaking, the President of Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Chief Remi Ogungbemi admonished the truck drivers to stay away from alcohol and other stimulants while driving.
Highlights of the program was the distribution of 1000 Reflective Safety Jackets to truck drivers including members of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) and to members of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).
The Sensitization Program was organized and coordinated by the Chief Port Safety Officer, Lagos Port Complex of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Engr Abdullahi Kakale.
The Sensitization Program ended with a renewed consciousness and efforts by truck drivers to observe minimum safety standards while driving in order to reduce road accidents in the Lagos port corridor.
