Port Authorities Intensify Safety Drive With Mandatory Screening for Truck Operators

Truck drivers working within Nigeria’s busiest port corridors are now being subjected to routine drug and alcohol testing as authorities move to strengthen safety and reduce operational risks.

The initiative, carried out through a partnership between port regulators and terminal operators, targets external truck drivers who handle container movement in and out of the port environment. Officials say the exercise is designed to ensure that only fit and alert drivers are allowed to operate heavy-duty vehicles within sensitive logistics zones.

During recent screening exercises conducted at port entry points, breathalyser tests were used to assess drivers’ fitness. Out of a group of 30 drivers tested, a small number were found to have alcohol in their system, though officials noted that the situation has shown some improvement compared to earlier checks.

Port safety managers explained that the programme is not a one-off operation but part of a sustained effort to reduce accidents, protect infrastructure, and safeguard lives. They stressed that driving under the influence poses risks not only to the drivers themselves but also to port workers, cargo, and equipment.

Authorities involved in the exercise added that continuous testing, combined with awareness campaigns, is expected to encourage better behaviour among truck operators and promote a stronger safety culture within the port system.