The National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP) has announced its readiness to join the national protest in Nigeria to demand an end to bad governance.
In a statement signed by its national president, Prince Adeyinka Aroyewun, the leading maritime group averred that “As an association that represents the interests of truckers and other maritime transport operators in the country, we have seen firsthand the negative impact of bad governance on our members and the economy at large.
“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.
NAMTOP made it clear that “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,” NAMTOP said.
