Truckers’ Consortium Warns of Looming Strike Over Hoodlum Attacks Disrupting Nigerian Economy

Truckers’ Consortium Warns of Looming Strike Over Hoodlum Attacks Disrupting Nigerian Economy

Lagos, 28th August 2024 — The Maritime Truck Operators, one of Nigeria’s largest labor employers, have sounded the alarm over the escalating threat posed by hoodlums disguised as members of commuter associations such as the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and certain local government authorities. The consortium claims these groups are not only endangering lives but are also severely disrupting cargo delivery and truck operations, thereby sabotaging the Nigerian economy.

During a press briefing today, the Consortium of Truckers underscored their vital role in driving the nation’s economic growth, highlighting their relentless 24-hour operations. Despite their contributions, they are facing growing threats from these hoodlums, who are reportedly engaging in extortion, physical assaults, and even murder of drivers. The consortium also reported widespread vandalism of trucks, leading to catastrophic losses, particularly along major routes such as the Apapa/Tincan Ports corridor and the Lagos-Badagry expressway.

“These criminal activities are not just a threat to our lives but also to our business,” said the consortium’s spokesperson. “Our trucks are being set on fire, our drivers are being assaulted, and goods worth billions of naira are being lost due to accidents caused by these illegal checkpoints.”

The truckers warned that the hostile environment created by these actions is crippling their operations, undermining Nigeria’s trade facilitation efforts, and potentially depriving the country of benefits from the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA). The consortium noted that several logistics businesses are already relocating from Lagos State, and many drivers are leaving the profession due to the constant harassment.

Despite numerous appeals to the Lagos State Government, the State Police Command, and the Department of State Services (DSS), the truckers said their concerns have been ignored. In response, they are now calling on the Federal Government and key stakeholders, including the President, the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Adviser, the Director General of DSS, and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, to intervene before the situation worsens.

The truckers are demanding an immediate ban on roadblocks and checkpoints used for toll collection on major highways, in accordance with the Taxes and Levies Act of 2004. They also want an end to the harassment and extortion by commuter associations and local government officials.

As a final warning, the truckers’ consortium announced that if their demands are not met within the next 14 days, they will initiate a peaceful protest within this period, followed by a strike that could shut down port operations and significantly impact both domestic and international trade.

“Our business is on the brink of collapse, and we cannot continue to operate under these hostile conditions,” the spokesperson stated. “We urge all relevant authorities to take immediate action to protect our industry and safeguard the Nigerian economy.”

The truckers emphasized that their demands are essential for maintaining national economic stability and protecting the livelihoods of hardworking citizens across the country.