Restriction: Ports truck drivers call off 10-day-old strike

Truck drivers operating at the nation’s seaport have asked the Lagos State Government for one month moratorium while suspending their 10-day-old strike embarked upon over the restriction order given to them by the Lagos State Government on movement of trucks to night time.

Speaking after a meeting between Association of Maritime Truck Owners, AMATO; Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN; National. Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO; Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA; National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and the Terminal Operators, held at the offices of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Apapa, the General Manager, Public Affairs of NPA, Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu said the truckers are ready to abide by the restriction order.

He however, pleaded with the government to give a month grace before enforcement of the order.

“The outcome of the meeting is that truck owners have agreed to suspend the strike but they however made us realise that there are operational challenges to operate between that period giving by the law,” he said.

Ebubeogu however disclosed that the stakeholders would brief the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Lagos State, Oluseyi Whenu, on the outcome of the meeting.

He also said they would discuss with the Permanent Secretary whether the rules could be bent a little.

“We are going to Alausa to tell the government that they have suspended the strike based on government directive and to draw government attention to operational challenges. 

“For instance, as at the time they want them to operate they may get to a point where the receiver is closed or there are mechanical challenges and they will be in transit when the times elapses. 

“All these exigencies should be considered when looking at their case and what was raised by the state and a joint committee has been given a month to look at these issues and what they will do.”