EMEDATOA RELEASES NEW PRICE INCREMENTS FOR HIRING HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES
The Earth-Moving Equipment Double Axle Truck Owners and Operators Association (EMEDATOA) has sought the understanding of the general public as it reviewed the prices for hiring services in line with current economic realities.
At an enlarged meeting of the association, held at the secretariat located at No. 100 Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, the State Chairman, Comrade Edikan Iweh, explained that the increment was necessitated to ensure operators could remain in business given the prevailing economic situation in the country.
The new price regime for services of Howo Truck is ₦225,000. MAN Diesel is ₦205,000 while Mack Truck is ₦165,000
Addressing members, including drivers, contractors, suppliers, and conductors of Mack trucks, MAN Diesel, caterpillars, and other heavy-duty equipment, the Chairman stated that the price increase was unavoidable due to soaring costs of diesel, spare parts, and vehicle maintenance.
Iweh noted that a formal letter had been sent to the Ministry of Transport, companies, and all stakeholders regarding the price adjustment, which affects the three senatorial districts: Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, and Eket. He called on the public to comply with the new rates, emphasizing that they were in everyone’s interest.
The Chairman also disclosed that his leadership had secured tax clearance from the Federal Ministry of Mines, enabling members to operate outside Akwa Ibom State. He reiterated the association’s commitment to protecting the interests of all members both within and outside the state.
To ensure compliance with the new price regime, the Chairman announced a two-day strike for truck and caterpillar operators in the state. He warned that any member caught working during the strike would face a fine of ₦225,000.
The Chairman highlighted that the association is keen on training future drivers of trucks and heavy-duty equipment. To this end, it has established a Heavy-Duty Equipment Training Academy, with a registration fee of ₦5,000.
The meeting also featured the inauguration of a 14-member monitoring committee to oversee compliance with the new price regime, the formation of an end-of-year celebration committee, and the induction of seven new members into the association.
The meeting was well-attended by truck owners, contractors, drivers, and conductors from the three senatorial districts in Akwa Ibom State.