The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its commitment to enhancing safety and security in the country’s haulage sector. Superintendent of Police Ogunsoto Gbenga, representing the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, made this declaration during the inauguration of the National Trucks and Haulage Transport (Wet and Dry Cargos) Safety and Security Compliance Taskforce.
The taskforce, established under the Joint National Transport Safety Committee Nigeria (JNTSCN), aims to enforce compliance protocols nationwide. According to Gbenga, the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and seeks to strengthen safety and security in Nigeria’s critical transport sector.
The taskforce will operate under four key pillars: Heavy-Duty Trucks and Freight Haulage Transport Safety Compliance, Transport Drivers’ Health, Safety, and Environment Compliance, National Enforcement Freight and Human Transport Safety, and Truck and Haulage Transit Clearance & Anti-Smuggling Compliance.
Gbenga emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including transport unions, haulage companies, and security agencies. He assured that the taskforce would operate with integrity, transparency, and professionalism, with a focus on saving lives, securing goods, and sustaining economic flow.
The taskforce’s core duties will include monitoring and verifying haulage compliance standards, coordinating with police and regulatory agencies, enforcing the use of roadworthy vehicles and certified drivers, and reporting and deterring security threats along major corridors.
Taiwo Oluwadamilare Mogbojuri, National Executive Chairman of JNTSCN, highlighted the sector’s challenges, including poorly regulated operators, untrained drivers, and unroadworthy trucks. He emphasized the need for a structured response to these challenges and called on stakeholders to take ownership of the process.
The inauguration of the taskforce marks a significant step towards enhancing safety and security in Nigeria’s haulage sector. With the support of government institutions, international development partners, and industry stakeholders, the taskforce is poised to make a positive impact.
As the taskforce begins its work, it carries a strong message: Nigeria’s era of haulage negligence is over, and a safer, more secure transport sector has arrived.