COMTUA returns to PSTT
...Get approval from Ministry of Transportation
The Council of Maritime Transport Unions and Associations, COMTUA) has announced the reconciliation between COMTUA and the PSTT at the Comtual Annual Congress in Lagos.
This was made known by the President , COMTUAL, Prince Adeyinka Aroyewun.
He said COMTUA purposely left PSTT because PSTT was derailing from its core functions while its performance was been exaggerated.
With this allegations, the Council of Maritime Transport Unions & Associations, (COMTUA) pulled out of PSTT.
Aroyewun stated that the associations and the committee has now reconciled for effective collaboration in ensuring free port access roads.
His words"We left the committee initially because the committee seems to be derailing. But over time, with our criticism and lots of efforts of the Nigerian Shippers Council. I think we are now on track. COMTUA sees the reason to collaborate with them especially when its comes to the area of traffic in the port access roads. I want to believe that if we collaborate we will achieve more results than what we are seeing"
Earlier in his opening speech, the COMTUA Boss noted that the union's engagements with the government and other stakeholders have led to the disbandment and suspension of several tasks forces and creation of functional and supportive bodies to assist their businesses. He however promised to deliver on the Union's promise to bring everyone on board and attend to their needs.
Prof. Odewunmi,an Academia from Lagos State University identified some peculiar challenges working against the flow of traffic in Lagos.
Odewunmi said disjointed incrementalism in absence of transport policy, weak enforcement of traffic laws and , policy Summersault should be looked into.
He suggested that the Ministry of Transport should be professionalised
The National Coordinator of PSTT, Mr Moses Fadipe who represented the Nigerian Shippers Council at the event noted that the Committee have decided to welcome COMTUA back for better relationship and engagement in achieving the goals and objectives of the team.
He emphasised that the Rules of Engagements of the committee remains unchanged. He however urged the Union to strictly abide by the Rules of Engagement to avoid future disagreements.
"The COMTUA President said sometimes ago they left the Task Team because they felt they are not doing enough but now they said they are back.
"A father cannot have 20 children and wish that one will be out of the Palace. We have welcomed them back fully as the National Coordinator. I would convey the message to the Presidential Task Team. But be that as it may, our Rules of Engagement remain the same. It has never changed" Fadipe stressed.
The Governor of Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo represented by the General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr Damilola Emmanuel stressed on the importance of technology in the development of the haulage, logistics and transportation sector at large.
He added that bi- annual inspection of all boats is being carried out, water guards are in all jetties to ensure people are not overloading their boats, introduction of fuel-docks in Lagos, Eastern and Western axis to reduced the risk on the water.
The Special Adviser to the Governor, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Hon Sola Giwa represented by Engr. Ojo Owuro commends the efforts and contribution of COMTUA to the development of transportation in Lagos.
He said the Ministry has issued an approval recognising COMTUA as a single body.
He enjoined members of the Union to shun disunity but work together as a team.
The Awards winners are: Vice President of the Federation, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Managing Director of NPA, Muhammed Bello-Koko, Executive Secretary of NSC, Hon Emmanuel Jime,
Others are Mussadiq Adesina Elegbede, Transport Line (LTV 8), Aderohumu Folashade T., Maritime Today ( Traffic Radio) and Adaku Onyenucheya, Guardian Newspaper.
