*To introduce Truck Loading Form
Vincent Toritseju
Lagos — WEST Africa Road Transport Union (WARTU) and its Nigerian counterpart, National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) have concluded plans to establish cargo distribution centers across Nigeria and Africa with a view to enhancing cargo delivery services.
Besides, the bodies are also set to introduce Truck Loading Form (TLF) which, according to them, will be used as a means of payment on trucks loading from Nigeria.
Disclosing this during a courtesy visit to the Corporate Headquarters of the Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, in Lagos, Chairman, WARTU, Mr. Ayandele Olayiwola, said that with this plan in place, trucks that are not from Nigeria will be compelled to pay a royalty to the country.
WARTU action plan, he said, include the creation of Cargo Distribution System, Establishing Center where Nigeria transporters will be educated on AXLE Policy Implementation in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
He urged the NSC to assist the Union in facilitating their various activities and programmes.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, NSC, Mr. Hassan Bello, represented by the Director of Legal Services, Mr. Samuel Vongtau, commended both bodies for the pivotal role played so far in uniting their members and assured them of NSC’s support towards achieving their action plans.
According to him, NSC has created awareness on Economic Community Of West African States, ECOWAS, Trade Liberalization Scheme, Borderlands Alliance, and Border Information Center which will enhance regional trade.
Commenting on the development, Chairman of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners, AMATO, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, said that he was not aware of the alliance of the group, adding that if the purpose of the collaboration is for the good of the industry and the Nigerian economy, AMATO will support it.