Babatunde Fashola, minister of works and housing, has asked
the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to ensure that
drivers adhere to vehicle weight regulations.
Speaking on Tuesday at the annual general meeting (AGM) of
NARTO in Abuja, Fashola said the federal government has been able to source
supplementary funding like Sukuk, to ensure roads are rehabilitated and
constructed across the country.
The minister said the association should ensure that drivers
are trained and they adhere to speed limits.
“We want you to self-enforce the weight regulations [for the
roads] we have shared this with you. The roads give way under very extreme axle
movements. As businessmen, you have to stand up [and enforce weight
regulations] in your own interest,” he said.
“I also want to appeal for the safety of our roads. You
can’t just give the truck to anybody. It is not a toy. All the people who
operate the trucks must be properly trained – it is a profession.
“You see them across the world. Don’t you see those things
we see in the movies? Why can’t our own be like that? If NARTO decides, NARTO
can do it.
“I want to appeal to you on behalf of Nigerians, to stay
within the speed limit. Stay at 90; stay at 80. Even at 60, you will get there.
You say roads are getting better. Is that not so? What are you racing for?”
The minister said the reintroduction of the new tolling
policy would create jobs and other economic opportunities.
“While some people see new bridges and toll plazas as mere
government enforcement efforts and as revenue collection, what I see are more
jobs, new economic opportunities for old and young who will operate these
facilities, and part of our commitment is to create a better life and create
prosperity,” he said.
In his remarks, Lawal Othman, NARTO’s president, called on
the authorities to prevent the destruction of trucks and the killing of
drivers.
“We believe that failure to take appropriate measures of
dealing with any identified culprit is what emboldens and strengthens them to
continue committing the crime. This is completely unacceptable and must never
be allowed to continue,” Othman said.
“Let me use this opportunity to call on our law-abiding and
patriotic members who are into the transportation of petroleum products to
please desist from illegal bunkering, smuggling, and diversion of petroleum
products because these actions are detrimental to the economy of our great
nation.
“This association will not support, defend, or sympathise
with anyone caught committing these crimes.”
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