The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has intensified consultations with freight operators and industry stakeholders as part of efforts to develop a new freight transport policy aimed at improving the movement of goods across Lagos State.
The engagement, described as the fourth in a series of stakeholder consultations, brought together freight unions, transport operators and industry associations to discuss challenges affecting cargo movement and logistics operations within the state.
Held under the theme, “Smart Freight for a Thriving Lagos,” the meeting focused on issues including regulatory duplication, illegal charges, truck staging, digital integration and road safety.
Speaking during the session, LAMATA Managing Director, Abimbola Akinajo, represented by Technical Adviser on Planning, Osa Konyeha, assured stakeholders that the proposed framework was not intended to impose new financial burdens on operators.
According to her, the objective is to streamline regulatory processes, eliminate unnecessary delays and lower the cost of transporting goods across the state.
The consultation comes amid concerns over the multiple regulations, agencies and operational requirements faced by freight operators within Lagos’ busy logistics and port corridors.
Industry representatives who participated in the discussions included officials from the Association of Maritime Truck Owners, Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria, National Association of Freight Forwarders and Air Console Agents, and the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers.
The participants were also selected to represent the sector at a forthcoming synthesis workshop where recommendations from various stakeholder engagements will be reviewed and consolidated.
LAMATA said the consultation process is designed to ensure that the final policy framework reflects practical realities within the logistics industry and supports the development of a more efficient, safer and competitive freight transport system.
The authority added that recommendations gathered from stakeholders would play a key role in shaping the final framework for implementation.
