AMATO Chairman, Zangalo Orchestrates Automated Sticker For Drivers, Trucks

By OLUWADAMILARE DANIELS

An automated sticker initiative is scheduled to commence in January, as stated by the Chairman of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Alhaji Lukman Shittu, during a recent gathering at the AMATO Corporate office in Apapa.

He remarked, “These automated stickers are essential to alleviate the challenges faced by truck drivers and owners due to the harassment from LASTMA/Police within Lagos State and its surroundings.

“In previous instances, broken down trucks have been relocated to undisclosed locations, often taking days for owners to locate them, which has led to some owners experiencing high blood pressure due to the uncertainty regarding their trucks’ locations.”

Moreover, the automated sticker will display the operator’s mobile number, facilitating communication between AMATO, LASTMA, and other law enforcement agencies to contact the owner of any malfunctioning truck within the state. This will enable a prompt response to relocate the vehicle to a safe park, thereby preventing traffic congestion. This initiative has garnered positive feedback and is likened to the Ètò Electronic Call-Up System implemented by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

It is worth noting that the Ètò Electronic Call-Up System is a digital advancement that has effectively addressed traffic issues along the Apapa port road access.

This system includes the installation of electronic barriers at all Lagos Port Complex terminals; these barriers only lift for trucks possessing verified Ètò-issued call-up tickets, ensuring that every truck movement is pre-approved, recorded, and traceable, thus providing comprehensive visibility and control from booking to terminal exit.

He also emphasised the importance for all AMATO drivers to participate in the Lagos State Professional Driver License initiatives to strengthen their boundaries.