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LAGOS – The Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has urged truck owners, drivers and passenger transport operators to strictly comply with operational, traffic management and safety regulations to promote efficiency and reduce accidents.
The association, in an advisory signed by its Lagos State Chairman, Alhaji Kayode Odunowo, warned cargo haulers against approaching port access points without valid electronic call-up tickets and urged operators to adhere strictly to assigned pre-gate time slots.
NARTO also advised truckers to exit Export Processing Terminals promptly when their slots are called, regularly check approved empty-container manifests and take note of port gate closure times to avoid unnecessary delays and congestion.
The association appealed to members to maintain orderliness while queuing, warning against indiscriminate parking, lane cutting and obstruction of intersections, junctions and access roads. It also advised operators to promptly report vehicle breakdowns requiring prolonged repairs to facilitate timely evacuation.
On roadworthiness, NARTO called for comprehensive pre-trip and post-trip inspections, with particular attention to brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, lights, mirrors, windshield wipers, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits and container twist-locks.
Operators of tankers and other hazardous cargo vehicles were urged to ensure the functionality of safety valves, pressure-relief systems, grounding cables, emergency shut-off mechanisms and spark arresters, while maintaining appropriate hazard markings and spill-containment equipment.
NARTO further directed passenger transport operators to enforce seat-belt use, maintain functional emergency exits, speed limiters and vehicle safety systems, and prevent overloading.
The association stressed the importance of driver fatigue management, recommending regular rest breaks, while urging drivers and conductors to maintain professional conduct and avoid mobile-phone use while driving.
Odunowo said strict adherence to the directives remained essential to protecting lives, property and the environment, urging members to circulate the advisory among drivers and fleet managers.
