The National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP) has announced its participation in a nationwide protest against bad governance, set to take place from August 1 to 10, 2024.
In a press statement, National Association of Maritime Transport Operators’s National President, Mr. Adeyinka Aroyewun, expressed the association’s commitment to the protest, highlighting the negative impact of poor governance on its members and the broader economy.
Aroyewun criticized the Lagos State government for imposing multiple taxes on truckers, including a harmonized daily ticket, Wharf Landing Fees, and additional charges for safety standards and heavy-duty permits.
He stated, “We are particularly concerned about the double taxation on truckers by the Lagos State government through the Ministry of Transport.
“The imposition of a harmonized daily ticket on truckers through Lagos State Trucks and Cargo Committee (LASTCOC) in addition to Wharf Landing Fees, charging truckers for minimum safety standards by the Nigerian Ports Authority annually in addition to heavy-duty permits, road worthiness, etc., and charging for call-up to the port in addition to taxes to do business as Nigerians is unacceptable.
“Furthermore, we are protesting against extortion on roads by both state and non-state actors (LASTMA, police, unions, and area boys), indiscriminate arrest and impoundment of trucks by LASTMA, and issuance of arbitrary penalties. “We are also concerned about the insecurity of our members on the road during the movement of cargo.
“We wish to state categorically that our protest shall be peaceful and in line with the laws of the land. We believe that as responsible citizens, we have a right to demand good governance and accountability from our leaders. “We, therefore, call on all our members, other transport operators, and well-meaning Nigerians to join us in this peaceful protest to send a strong message to our leaders that enough is enough,” he added.
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