Business owners in Jos, the capital of Plateau state, are lamenting the prohibition of trucks from business areas in the state, between 6:am and 9:pm, citing the significant impact it has on their operations.
The business owners while lamenting the development on Monday said they ere facing challenges related to logistics, supply chain disruptions, and increased costs as a result of longer transportation routes or the need for alternative methods.
It would be recalled that General Manager of Jos Metropolitan Development Board, Hart Bankat, announced executive order No. 003 on March 10, 2024, which includes provisions preventing trucks from entering business areas after 9:00 pm, adding that the purpose of the order is to streamline vehicular traffic through traffic management measures. The order has taken effect since March 19.
The business owners told Daily Trust that the order has had a negative impact on their businesses.
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Nnamdi Emekwisie, Chairman Timber Shed, Plateau said: “ We are not against the order but it is too strict because are goods are no longer safe if trucks parked with our goods in a place where we are not sure of its safety. We are pleading with the government to make some adjustments.”
Yusuf Aliyu, Chairman Timber B section, at Laranto market also lamented that, “ as a result of the order, trucks loading woods from Nasarawa state have stopped bringing woods to us because they are complaining about the restriction.”
For Echezona, Chairman Enamelware, Laranto Market,” Drivers are very apprehensive and that is why we can not get them to load our goods again. So, we are calling on the government to reconsider the order and adjust it.”
The business owners acknowledge that while the restriction is a welcome idea, they find the planning and timing of entrance too strict. They are calling on the state government to adjust the order to better accommodate their operational needs, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and dialogue to address concerns and find mutually beneficial solutions.
