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| Former NPA MD, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, |
Chief Adebayo
Sarumi, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has
urged the Federal Government to establish a revolving loan for truck owners to
renew their fleet.
Sarumi made
the plea on Tuesday in Lagos at an interactive session on International Sea
Trade Convention, titled “Exploring New Trade Frontiers’’.
He said the
need for such loan had become necessary, considering the quest to make the
nation’s economy export-oriented.
The expert
said that maritime practitioners must understand the important roles played by
trucks in the supply chain management.
The former
NPA chief expressed concern about the rickety nature of trucks still operating
in the ports without any effort to improve on their state.
“It must be
known that these trucks are carrying cargo in and out of our ports, so, we need
them.
“It must be
noted that they (truck owners) hold an intricate power, which they should not
be left to use negatively; else the supply chain will be in real trouble.
“It is sad
that they (truck owners) still use Fiat and Mack trucks that have been phased
out in other countries,’’ he said.
Sarumi noted that there should be proper planning on port development as well
as fleet maintenance.
He suggested
that the loan repayment system should involve holding back the truck documents
from the beneficiaries until they complete payment,’’ or the trucks will be
taken from them within an agreed period’’.
Recall that
most trucks operating at the ports are rickety and pose dangers to other road
users.
There have also
been failed attempts by the truck owners’ associations to collaborate with government and private bodies to renew their fleet.
Also, at
various times, the NPA had to relax its threat to sanction truck owners who did
not meet the minimum safety standard expected of truck owners.
