The Lagos State Government said it has concluded plans on the introduction of a series of far-reaching reforms aimed at modernising maritime logistics, enhancing safety standards, and strengthening the welfare of truck operators across the state.
The measures were unveiled on Wednesday in Lagos during a stakeholders’ engagement with maritime and logistics practitioners.
The event, themed “Charting the Future of Maritime Logistics: Safety, Sustainability and Stakeholder Partnership,” brought together port operators, freight forwarders, transport owners, financial institutions, regulatory agencies, security services, and labour unions from across the logistics corridor.
During the event, the state government introduced a new support programme that will enable truck owners to acquire brand-new vehicles through structured and affordable credit schemes, developed in partnership with financial institutions and development partners.
Speaking during the programme, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said, “The state had entered a new phase of reforms designed to eliminate unsafe practices, reduce road accidents, and position Lagos as a globally competitive maritime hub.”
The governor, who was represented at the event by the Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa, described the sector as a critical driver of national commerce, revenue, and industrial productivity.
Sanwo-Olu added that one of the most urgent priorities is renewing the state’s ageing truck fleet, stressing that the prevalence of old and poorly maintained trucks exposes operators and road users to avoidable dangers and contributes to gridlock along major port corridors.
“The administration’s intervention is both economic and life-saving, as it is expected to reduce accidents, improve turnaround time, and enhance compliance with international haulage standards,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu added that Lagos will expand its inspection capacity across Apapa, Tincan, Lekki, and adjoining corridors to ensure trucks comply with basic safety requirements, including braking systems, tyres, reflectors, lighting, axle integrity, and general mechanical fitness.
He stressed that the goal of enforcement is protection, not punishment, emphasising that truckers remain essential to Nigeria’s supply chain and deserve health support that enhances alertness and reduces accidents.
The governor also announced new welfare initiatives for truckers, including “a free eye screening and visual health programme, on-the-spot dispensing of medicated glasses, and free substance abuse tests supported by counselling and rehabilitation services.”
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, noted that the government’s plan to provide access to 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas-powered trucks through a banking partnership demonstrates the state’s commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable logistics future.
He commended the governor for his visionary leadership in transforming Lagos into a transport-forward state.
The opening remarks, delivered on behalf of the Special Adviser by the Permanent Secretary, Olawale Musa, highlighted the administration’s focus on safety, sustainability, and collaboration.
He emphasised that truckers’ welfare is central to the reforms and noted that partnerships with unions and health agencies will help reduce fatigue, untreated medical conditions, and other workforce risks.
The engagement also featured a documentary on maritime operations and an inspection of newly introduced CNG-powered trucks by representatives of the Governor.
In his closing remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport and Logistics, Hassan Adekoya, thanked participants and said the engagement marked the beginning of practical steps that will reshape the state’s logistics landscape.
