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By Steve Agbota
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) have called for urgent intervention from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to address the rising incidents of extortion, vandalism, and molestation of truck drivers on port access roads.
The appeal was made during a one-day sensitization programme titled ‘Safe-To-Load on Nigerian Roads,’* organised by the NSC in collaboration with the FRSC in Lagos.
The event highlighted the increasing concerns within the haulage industry, where truck operators and drivers are frequently targeted by both state and non-state actors, leading to significant disruptions in port operations and posing a threat to the nation’s economy.
FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, expressed deep concern over the rampant extortion and destruction of trucks by hoodlums, emphasizing the need for a collective approach to resolve these issues. He stressed the importance of creating a more secure and attractive environment for investors in the trucking industry, which plays a crucial role in the country’s economic development.
“The haulage business is a vital contributor to our economic growth. We must work together to bring these issues to the attention of relevant authorities, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, to ensure that the industry is safe and attractive for investors. It is crucial that those who invest in this sector are able to reap the benefits of their investments without facing undue hindrances,” Mohammed stated.
Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary of the NSC, amplified these sentiments, stressing the Council’s commitment to addressing the ongoing violence against truck drivers and the destruction of their vehicles. He described the vandalism as a critical issue that demands immediate action.
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“Vandalism of trucks and molestation of drivers are issues of utmost importance. We cannot afford to ignore these challenges. Those who invest heavily in the transport infrastructure to support our economy should not have to worry about their assets being destroyed by hoodlums. This infrastructure is crucial for the smooth functioning of trade and economic activities, and we are determined to protect it,” Akutah affirmed.
He further assured truck operators that the NSC would engage all relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, to ensure that adequate measures are put in place to safeguard their operations. “The Nigerian Shippers’ Council will not rest until these issues are resolved.
We are committed to working with all stakeholders to provide the necessary security for our infrastructure,” he added.
Earlier in the programme, Muhammed Sani, Secretary-General of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), highlighted the severe impact of these attacks on the haulage sector. He revealed that between January and August 2024, six fatal accidents occurred on port access roads due to the activities of hoodlums, resulting in losses amounting to several billions of naira.
Sani called on the NSC to assist in addressing the growing insecurity faced by truck drivers, who are often extorted and have their vehicles vandalized by both state and non-state actors. “We need the support of the Shippers’ Council and the Office of the National Security Adviser to tackle these threats. The safety of our drivers and the integrity of our trucks are essential for the smooth delivery of cargoes to their destinations. The earlier we receive intervention, the better for the haulage sector and the Nigerian economy,” he urged.
As the haulage industry grapples with these challenges, the call for swift and decisive action from the highest levels of government has never been more urgent. The protection of truck drivers and their vehicles is not just a matter of economic necessity but also one of national security. The collaboration between the NSC, FRSC, and ONSA is expected to pave the way for a more secure and efficient transportation system, ultimately benefiting the entire nation.
