Under the direction of the Committee of Maritime Truck Unions and Association, truckers plan to stage a nonviolent demonstration against extortion between October 4 and October 6 at the Nigerian Ports Authority.
This was stated in a letter written by Adeyinka Aroyewun, the National President of COMTUA, and sent to Muhammad Bello-Koko, the Managing Director of NPA, with the subject line “Notice of Intention to Protest Against Military Trucks Taking Over Return of Empty Container and Priority Trucks” over the weekend.
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The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, the Inspector General of Police, Alkali Usman, and the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, among others, received copies of the letter as well.
Aroyewun said that the move became necessary due to the failure of NPA to address the issues raised in their previous letters
The letter read in part, “I wish to notify you by this medium of the intention of our association to embark on a peaceful protest within and around the port corridor and the office of the governor of Lagos state between Tuesday 4th and 6th of October 2022.”
This was essential because your office didn’t respond to the issues we identified in our earlier letters, which are listed below.
The group also objected to military trucks receiving preference when returning empty cargo.
Military trucks used to transport empty containers back to the port are given preference. Additionally, some vehicles are allowed inside pre-gates, providing them an advantage over our members.
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The message went on to say that another issue the group faces is the high cost of a call-up.
“There are also the hefty call-up fees and the Truck Transit Park’s unauthorized deductions from our funds in the pretext of demurrage.” Another issue is your management’s and TTP’s extension of garages as a form of favoritism. There is also ongoing harassment of truck drivers by law enforcement organizations and others.
