Coalition hails presidential backing for highway taskforce
The Coalition of Agricultural Producers, Market Traders, Haulage and Interstate Transport Associations of Nigeria (CAPMHTAN) has called on the Federal Government to formally inaugurate the Heavy Duty and Haulage Transport Association of Nigeria (HDHTAN) Federal Taskforce as a nationally recognised inter-agency operational platform. The coalition said the move would strengthen coordination among relevant stakeholders and […]
The Coalition of Agricultural Producers, Market Traders, Haulage and Interstate Transport Associations of Nigeria (CAPMHTAN) has called on the Federal Government to formally inaugurate the Heavy Duty and Haulage Transport Association of Nigeria (HDHTAN) Federal Taskforce as a nationally recognised inter-agency operational platform.
The coalition said the move would strengthen coordination among relevant stakeholders and support the implementation of government policies aimed at improving interstate transportation and the ease of doing business.
The position was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by the chairmen of 12 member associations following a meeting to review issues affecting freight transportation across the country.
CAPMHTAN comprises the Heavy Duty and Haulage Transport Association of Nigeria (HDHTAN), National Tomatoes Transporters Association of Nigeria (NTTAN), National Cassava and Agricultural Produce Haulers Association (NCAPHA), National Cattle Haulers Association of Nigeria (NCHAN), National Livestock Transporters Forum (NLTF), National Charcoal and Solid Minerals Haulers Association (NCSMHA), National Timber and Forest Produce Transporters Association (NTFPTA), National Container and General Cargo Haulers Business Group (NCGCHBG), National Building Materials Transporters Association (NBMTA), Association of Quarry, Chipping Stones (AQCS), National Food Commodities Transporters Association (NFCTA), and the Association of Farm and Agricultural Produce (AFAP).
The communiqué was presented at a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Abuja by the coalition’s National Secretary, Comrade Sunday Olawoyin, alongside the National Chairman, Engr. Osigbemeh Emmanuel.
The coalition commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for policies it said are aimed at improving the ease of doing business, strengthening road safety and supporting interstate transportation.
It also welcomed the establishment of the HDHTAN Federal Taskforce, describing it as an initiative that could improve coordination in highway operations and facilitate collaboration among relevant agencies.
The coalition further commended the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies for their support.
According to the communiqué, “We particularly commend the establishment of the HDHTAN Federal Taskforce, whose mandate has continued to provide hope towards sanitizing federal highways through combating multiple taxation; dismantling illegal checkpoints and extortion points; monitoring heavy-duty truck operations; gathering actionable intelligence for relevant security agencies; reporting economic sabotage and illegal revenue collection and supporting the free movement of goods and services across Nigeria.”
CAPMHTAN said there is a need for closer collaboration among governments, security agencies and transport stakeholders to enhance the movement of goods and improve operational efficiency on federal highways.
The coalition also called for greater cooperation among relevant authorities in implementing Federal Government policies relating to interstate transportation.
Reaffirming its commitment to lawful operations, CAPMHTAN pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at improving national security, enhancing the ease of doing business and promoting efficiency in highway transportation.
“We reiterate our confidence in the HDHTAN Federal Taskforce as an important intervention for restoring order and strengthening compliance on Nigeria’s federal highways,” the communiqué stated.
Among its recommendations, the coalition urged the Federal Government to formally inaugurate the HDHTAN Federal Taskforce with a clearly defined mandate, issue an official letter introducing the taskforce to relevant ministries, departments and agencies, and strengthen collaboration between the taskforce and security institutions.
The coalition concluded by reaffirming its commitment to supporting government efforts to promote safer highways and more efficient interstate transportation.
“We remain committed partners in advancing the Ease of Doing Business initiative and in supporting policies that promote seamless interstate movement of goods and services across the Federation,” the communiqué added.
The communiqué was unanimously adopted and signed by the chairmen of the coalition’s 12 member associations.