The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has expressed deep concern over the growing number of faulty container trucks and heavy-duty vehicles operating at the ports.

In an official notice directed at truck owners, fleet managers and drivers, AMATO President, Remi Ogungbemi, highlighted functional headlamps, working rear lights and reflective tapes as the missing safety features.

The association issued an urgent advisory to all maritime haulage operators, mandating immediate compliance with basic vehicle safety requirements following reports of unroadworthy trucks operating within the sector.

While missing lights or reflective markings might appear to be minor issues, the AMATO leadership stressed that these basic features are vital life-saving requirements on the road, particularly during night operations or unexpected breakdowns.

The association explained that in the event of a truck breakdown or other emergency at night, reflective tapes and properly functioning lights help alert other road users to the presence of moving or stationary trucks, thereby preventing avoidable accidents and saving lives.

The association emphasised that full compliance will protect lives and property, and safeguard valuable investments.

Emphasising the importance of the directive, the AMATO President called on operators across the maritime logistics chain to inspect their fleets before deployment, stressing that safety is not optional but a shared responsibility owed to all road users.

“I urge every maritime truck owner and driver to ensure that their trucks are equipped with functional headlamps, rear lights and reflective tapes before embarking on any journey. Let us work together to eliminate preventable accidents and uphold the image of professionalism in the maritime haulage industry,” he stated.

Ogungbemi, however, advised maritime truck owners, fleet managers and drivers to ensure that all required safety features are fully functional before deploying any vehicle.

He also advised them to ground non-compliant trucks to uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism across the maritime sector.