The Heavy Duty and Haulage Transport Association of Nigeria (HDHTAN), Kogi State chapter, has enlightened the public on its mandates, activities, and scope of operations in the state.
The state’s Chairman of HDHTAN, Honourable Trust Okechukwu Chukwuma, disclosed this at a press conference in Lokoja, aiming to address key issues in her operations and services.
He said the purpose of the press conference was to sensitise the public on the organisation’s mandate, activities, and scope of operations.
“We will also address key issues affecting the transportation and hauling sector in Kogi State, including multiple taxation, insecurity, and man-made problems.
“Our association is dedicated to promoting the welfare of Kogites, ensuring the safety and security of all heavy-duty vehicles, especially their safety on the highways, and supporting the economic development of Kogi State.
“We recognise the importance of the transportation sector in the economic growth and development of Kogi State.
“As such, we are committed to working with the Kogi State Government, the Local Government, and other stakeholders to create a conducive environment for Kogites,” he said.
Chukwuma explained that the association had achieved several milestones, including intelligence sharing, truck monitoring, illicit activity prevention, and whistleblowing within their short time of operation.
He emphasised that their efforts had helped to prevent the diversion of goods meant for Kogi State, monitored truck usage for illegal activities, and reported terrorist activities, kidnapping, human trafficking, and other crimes.
“Unfortunately, we have been made aware of incidences of miscreants impersonating HDHTAN and carrying out illegal taxations. We condemn these actions in the strongest terms and urge the public to be vigilant.
“We are working with the relevant authorities to bring these perpetrators to justice.
“One notable example is the case of one Mr Aminu Salami, a suspended HDHTAN personnel who has been parading himself as a representative of the association and extorting many unsuspecting members of the public.
“We urge the public to be aware of these individuals and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities of HDHTAN or any nearby security agencies,” he said.
The Kogi HDHTAN Chairman further appreciated Gov. Ahmed Ododo and his administration towards making life easier for Kogites in spite the economic challenges facing the country.
He also commended the governor’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in the state and pledged their support for his administration.
Chukwuma also solicited the support of local governments and the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) in achieving its goals.
“We recognise and respect the roles of these agencies and have no intentions of taking over their jobs.
“Our goals are to complement their efforts and ensure that multiple and illegal taxation on our members stops. This will contribute to the economic growth and development of the state.
“As the Yuletide season approaches, HDHTAN reassures the public that it is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the transportation sector.
“We work tirelessly to ensure that our roads are safe and secure for all users.
“We urge all well-meaning Kogites to join us in rejecting illegal taxation. Our ultimate goal is to reduce food item costs, alleviating citizens’ economic burdens.
“Moving forward, our actions will reflect our commitment to sanity on Kogi State highways. We have started already; Kabba (Kogi West) was visited by the special task force over the weekend.
“Our collaboration with the IGP task force and support from the KGIRS is indeed a good one.
“We are committed to transparency and accountability in all our operations. We believe that this is essential in building trust with our members and the public.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to promote the welfare of Kogites and ensure that the transportation sector and hauling activities in Kogi State are safe, efficient, and contribute to the economic growth and development of the state,” Chukwuema said.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
