In its bid to reduce the rate of accidents involving articulated trucks to the barest minimum, the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) has sought a partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority on the training of professional drivers of articulated and container bearing trucks in Lagos state.
The General Manager of LASDRI, Mrs. Afusat Tiamiyu, spoke during a courtesy visit to the Lagos Ports Complex, Apapa, stating that the Lagos State Government seeks a partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to train container truck drivers for better professional practice.
While enumerating some of LASDRI’s processes, the General Manager who was represented by the Institute’s Head of Engineering Department, Engr. Kayode Oladesu, stressed that the Agency had trained many truck drivers over the years.
His words: “We have carefully outlined the best ways possible to partner with the Nigerian Ports Authority in the training of truck drivers. We believe that when these drivers are well trained in the art of driving, the rate of accidents will be reduced and safety of lives and property will be ensured on our roads”.
In her remarks, the Port Manager of the Lagos Ports Complex, Apapa, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olotu, observed with dismay that articulated truck accidents result in loss of lives and property as well as damage to public infrastructure, stressing that any form of training and sensitisation that can be done to reduce such damage will be a welcome initiative.
Mrs. Olotu further stated that more such stakeholders’ meetings will lead to evolving more strategies aimed at reducing accidents involving articulated trucks within the Lagos metropolis, particularly through standardised training and sensitisation programmes.
While appreciating the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute for the initiative, Mrs. Olotu said the visit was the beginning of a beneficial partnership, promising to escalate the report of the meeting to the appropriate authorities and stakeholders.