FG, Police, Cross River Govt Inaugurate Taskforce on Haulage Transport Safety and Security

FG, Police, Cross River Govt Inaugurate Taskforce on Haulage Transport Safety and Security

Arising from incessant reports of vehicular and truck crashes caused by road unworthiness and other safety concerns, the Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated a Taskforce on Haulage Transport Safety and Security Compliance in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The initiative, driven by the Presidential Joint National Transport Safety Committee (JNTSC) in collaboration with the Office of the Inspector General of Police, Department of Operations (Transport), and the Cross River State Government, seeks to evolve an all-inclusive strategy to curb road traffic crashes involving haulage and related vehicles across the state. It is also designed to implement the objectives of the United Nations Global Road Safety Agenda.

The inauguration ceremony, which also featured a stakeholders’ engagement session, had as its theme: “Strengthening Safety and Security Compliance Across Nigeria’s Haulage and Transport Sector.” and was attended by critical stakeholders in the transport and security sectors.

While inaugurating Dr. Julius Obanghe Kijuo and other members of the Cross River State chapter, the President of the Taskforce noted that the committee was established to “provide practical, sustainable solutions to the menace of truck and haulage crashes on our roads.” He charged the chairman and members to discharge their duties with diligence, transparency, and patriotism, stressing that their work would directly contribute to saving lives, safeguarding investments, and enhancing national development.

Prominent among the newly inaugurated members was Dr. Ndoma Odey, a tax expert and Director with the Cross River State Board of Internal Revenue Service, who emphasized the importance of synergy between government, security agencies, and stakeholders in curbing insecurity, preventing road mishaps, and strengthening Nigeria’s transport economy.

The newly inaugurated taskforce is expected to monitor haulage operations across states, enforce compliance, and submit regular reports to the Presidency and other relevant authorities.

In his keynote address, the Cross River State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, commended the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Force for their collaborative efforts to reposition haulage transport operations in Nigeria.

Representing the Inspector General of Police, ACP Mustapha Fatah assured stakeholders that the new taskforce would ensure strict enforcement of safety standards, compliance with national transport policies, and enhanced security for haulage operations nationwide.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the National Association of Truck Owners (NATO), Cross River State chapter, Mr. Peter E. Ogar, pledged the cooperation of truck owners in supporting government regulations, stressing that collaboration and compliance are essential to reducing accidents and improving efficiency in the sector.