NARTO Lagos Rescue Team Records Over 1,000 Operations in 2025, Seeks Stronger Collaboration in 2026

NARTO Lagos Rescue Team Records Over 1,000 Operations in 2025, Seeks Stronger Collaboration in 2026

The Rescue and Monitoring Team of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Lagos State, has recorded significant milestones in 2025, successfully carrying out over 1,000 rescue operations across Lagos State and several parts of the country.

The team, which was inaugurated in August 2024 under the leadership of the Lagos State Chairman of NARTO, Alhaji Kayode Odunowo, attributed the achievement to collective commitment, effective leadership, and sustained support from government and security agencies.

In a year-end statement made available on the NARTO Rescue and Monitoring Platform, the team disclosed that its operations covered multiple states, including Niger, Plateau, Ogun, Oyo, Kogi, Kwara, Abuja, and other regions, providing timely intervention to NARTO members whose trucks were involved in accidents, breakdowns, or regulatory challenges.

Highlighting one of its notable interventions, the team said a high-powered delegation led by the Rescue Operations Chairman, Alhaji Ayinde Kasali, alongside Alhaji Rasheed Iyanda and Alhaji Rasaq Adekunle Abayawo, travelled to Niger State to successfully recover three trucks belonging to NARTO members. The operation, according to the team, underscored its resolve to ensure that no member is abandoned in times of distress.

The Rescue and Monitoring Team commended Alhaji Kayode Odunowo for his foresight and commitment to members’ welfare, noting that his decision to establish the team has greatly improved rapid response and engagement with relevant authorities.

The team also expressed appreciation to the National President of NARTO, the Deputy National President, the Southwest Zonal Chairman, and state chairmen nationwide for their continuous encouragement and support.

Special commendations were extended to the Lagos State Government and its agencies for their cooperation. Those acknowledged include Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa; the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi; and the Senior Special Assistant on Logistics and Transportation, Hon. Hassan Adekoya.

The team further lauded the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos State, led by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Fayoade Adegoke, and the Commissioner of Police, CP Jimoh Moshood, alongside Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers, for their consistent support. Appreciation was also extended to the Nigerian Ports Authority, port managers, the Nigeria Customs Service in the ports and FOU Ikeja, as well as regulatory agencies including LASTMA, FRSC, VIS, TRACE, and the Committee on Abandoned Vehicles for their cooperation in resolving members’ challenges, particularly those involving truck breakdowns and enforcement issues.

Acknowledgement was equally given to the NARTO legal team, led by Barrister Sulaiman Salami and Barrister Asimimiyu Ayodeji, for providing critical legal support to safeguard members’ interests.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Rescue and Monitoring Team appealed for deeper collaboration with government and regulatory agencies to further enhance ease of doing business for NARTO members nationwide.

The team reaffirmed its commitment to prompt rescue operations, continuous engagement with authorities, and improved service delivery. Members were advised to properly identify their vehicles with the 2026 NARTO stickers and adhere strictly to approved ticketing, which includes the NARTO ticket at ₦1,000 and the Lagos State ticket at ₦3,000, payable only at designated garages and parks. Members were also urged to promptly report challenges to enable swift intervention.

The statement concluded with prayers for safety, prosperity, and an accident-free year for all members, expressing optimism for a stronger and more united NARTO in 2026.

Source: Statement made available on the NARTO Rescue and Monitoring Platform.