Seaport truckers, under the aegis of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has raised the alarm over rampant extortion and unfair practices allegedly perpetrated by the Committee on Abandoned Vehicles and some tow operators, calling on the Lagos State government, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) to intervene.
In a statement signed by AMATO President, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, a copy made available to the Nigerian Tribune, the association outlined a series of grievances, including outrageous fines, harassment by street urchins and state actors, and exorbitant charges imposed on truckers for towing and traffic offences by the Committee on Abandoned Vehicles and some tow operators.
According to AMATO, the draconian methods employed by these parties have severely impacted the ability of truckers to maintain their vehicles, with dire consequences for the safety standards of trucks operating in and around the Lagos ports.
“These fines are presented as deterrents, but in reality, they are aimed at siphoning off the proceeds we need to maintain our trucks,” Ogungbemi said.
Truckers have reported that their vehicles are often seized on pretences of being abandoned, with fines ranging from N100,000 to N300,000.
Additionally, the association pointed out how alleged illegal charges enrich certain individuals, while truckers are left struggling to make ends meet. This has caused growing tension between truckers and traffic controllers.
“AMATO is calling on Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to investigate the activities of the so-called “Abandoned Vehicles” team, and for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) to take immediate action to curb the extortion,” the statement added.
The association is also urging the establishment of a committee composed of state agencies, NPA, NSC, and truckers to address the systemic exploitation within the towing sector and along port access roads.
“We’ve had enough of individuals using government machinery to enrich themselves at our expense,” the statement concluded.
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