The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has cautioned truck operators against deploying rickety and unsafe trucks for maritime haulage operations, warning that failure to meet basic safety standards could increase the risk of avoidable road accidents.
In a statement issued by the association’s President, Remi Ogungbemi, AMATO said it had observed that some trucks operating within the maritime sector were being used without essential safety features such as functional headlamps, rear lights and reflective tapes.
Ogungbemi described these items as critical road safety requirements rather than minor accessories. He explained that in the event of a breakdown or emergency at night, reflective tapes and properly functioning lights help other road users identify moving or stationary trucks, thereby reducing the likelihood of collisions and saving lives.
The AMATO president urged truck owners, fleet managers and drivers to ensure that all safety devices are installed and working properly before any truck is deployed for operations.
According to him, compliance with these requirements will improve road safety, protect lives and property, and safeguard investments within the maritime transport industry.
Ogungbemi also called on stakeholders to maintain high standards of safety, professionalism and regulatory compliance across the maritime haulage sector.
“Safety is not optional; it is a responsibility we owe to ourselves, our families and every road user,” he said, adding that truck owners and drivers should ensure their vehicles are properly equipped before embarking on any journey.
The warning comes amid ongoing concerns over the condition of trucks operating around Nigerian ports and major haulage corridors, where poorly maintained vehicles have often been linked to traffic crashes and disruptions.
