A former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Adebayo Sarumi,  has urged the Federal Government to establish a revolving loan for truck owners to renew their fleet.
Sarumi made the plea yesterday in Lagos at an interactive session on International Sea Trade Convention, titled “Exploring New Trade Frontiers’’.
He said the need for such loan had become necessary, considering the quest to make the nation’s economy export-oriented.
The expert said that maritime practitioners must understand the important roles played by trucks in the supply chain management.
The former NPA chief expressed concern about the rickety nature of trucks still operating in the ports without any effort to improve on their state.
“It must be known that these trucks are carrying cargo in and out of our ports, so, we need them.
“It must be noted that they (truck owners) hold an intricate power, which they should not be left to use negatively; else the supply chain will be in real trouble.
“It is sad that they (truck owners) still use Fiat and Mack trucks that have been phased out in other countries,’’ he said.
Sarumi noted that there should be proper planning on port development as well as fleet maintenance.
He suggested that the loan repayment system should involve holding back the truck documents from the beneficiaries until they complete payment,’’ or the trucks will be taken from them within an agreed period’’.
Most trucks operating at the ports are rickety and pose dangers to other road users.
The Tide also gathered that there have been failed attempts by the truck owners’ associations to collaborate with government and private bodies to renew their fleet.
Also, at various times, the NPA had to relax its threat to sanction truck owners who did not meet the minimum safety standard expected of truck owners.