NSC,  FRSC to engage NSA over haulage harassment, extortion by hoodlums on Port corridors 

Òlopà Ìlegbé

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the  Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have concluded plans to engage the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA)  to tackle extortion and the security threats in the haulage industry and transport infrastructure.

Both agencies also pledge to work with all stakeholders to improve the operational environment for the haulage sector, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is secure, while maritime trade facilitation in Nigeria continues to thrive without disruption.

The pledge was made yesterday in Lagos during a  one-day sensitisation programme on “Safe-to-load on Nigerian Roads,” organised by NSC in collaboration with FRSC, aimed at promoting safety in the transportation of cargo on Nigerian roads.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Pius Akutah, emphasised the critical need to address road safety and security challenges as well as the protection of transportation infrastructure, which are vital to the country’s economic activities.

Akutah highlighted the concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the safety and security of road transport, particularly the haulage industry, noting that these issues are not only about preventing accidents but also about safeguarding the infrastructure that supports trade.

 Akutah pointed out that the vandalisation of container trucks, especially those integral to the port transport infrastructure, is a significant concern that demands immediate attention.

“We cannot afford to have players in this sector, who invest so much in these infrastructures, face destruction by hoodlums. Once a vehicle operates within the value chain of transport infrastructure to support trade and economic activities, it becomes a critical infrastructure that must be protected,” he stated.

Akutah noted that the collaboration between the NSC and FRSC, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), has focused on key areas such as the safety of cargoes in transit under the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS) and establishing minimum safety requirements for fleet operations on Nigerian roads.

The Corps Marshal of the FRSC,  Shehu Mohammed, emphasised the significant role the haulage industry plays in driving the economic development of Nigeria.

Mohammed highlighted the necessity of collaboration between security agencies and the haulage sector to ensure a safe and conducive environment for businesses to operate.

The Corps Marshal acknowledged that while the haulage industry is vital to the nation’s economy, challenges persist, including the involvement of certain security agents in the sector.

He urged that any issues involving these agents be promptly reported to relevant authorities, including the National Security Advisor, to address them effectively.

He underscored the importance of creating a cleaner and more attractive operational space for haulage businesses, emphasising that a safer environment would encourage more investment in the sector.

Mohammed called for concerted efforts to make the haulage industry more efficient and secure to  enhance the operational conditions and  ensuring that businesses can thrive without unnecessary hindrances.