Maritime Sector Divided as Truck Owners Back Lagos Government's Crackdown on Corruption

Maritime Sector Divided as Truck Owners Back Lagos Government's Crackdown on Corruption

LAGOS, May 30, 2025 — A clear rift has emerged within the Nigerian maritime sector as container truck owners distance themselves from threats by labor unions to shut down port operations in protest of a recent crackdown by the Lagos State Government.

The Amalgamation of Container Truck Owners and Association of Nigeria (ACTOAN), led by its Chairman, Mr. Bello Ridwan, has publicly declared support for the government’s enforcement actions, which led to the arrest of some officials of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Port Authority (NPA)security officers.

While the unions allege that the arrests were unjust and have vowed to halt port operations unless the officials are released, ACTOAN sees the government’s move as a long-overdue response to systemic corruption and extortion that have plagued port corridors for years.

“For too long, truckers have been the victims of illegal checkpoints, harassment, and extortion along the port access roads. These practices have crippled our operations and made it nearly impossible to run a sustainable business,” Ridwan said in a statement on Friday. “We commend the Lagos State Government for taking bold action to restore sanity and transparency to the maritime environment.”

Ridwan warned against what he described as “union overreach” and cautioned labor leaders against defending impunity under the guise of industrial action.

“A union’s role should be to uphold the integrity of the maritime sector and support lawful reforms—not to shield corrupt practices or obstruct progress,” he said.

The ACTOAN chairman also raised questions about the presence of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) staff on Barracks Road, far from the designated port zones, describing it as a red flag for illegitimate activities that demand urgent scrutiny.

He called on the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to step in and mediate the unfolding dispute to prevent further damage to investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime industry.

“Escalating this into a full-blown shutdown would only worsen the situation and harm the industry’s reputation. We must prioritize reform and transparency over sentiment,” Ridwan concluded.

The contrasting positions between truck owners and union leaders underscore the complex web of interests within Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem—one now at a critical crossroads between entrenched practices and long-needed reforms.