The National President of Council of Maritime Transport Unions & Associations (COMTUA), Prince Adeyinka Aroyewun, has called on the Lagos State Government to as a matter of urgency make public the true roles and functions and limits of operations of LASTCOC, saying the aim is to avoid impending lawlessness in the transport sector.
In a Letter addressed to the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, COMTUA said “We received with concern a letter addressed to the chairman of LASTCOC and copied to relevant security agencies signed by one Engr. O M Ojowuro for the permanent secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Lagos State.
“In the letter, the author mentioned, among several other points, that LASTCOC as a committee is set up to oversee activities of trucks, cargoes, and unions in the maritime industry and to collect “HARMONISED TICKET” as approved by the state.
These points and the entire content of the letter are the subject of litigation at the Lagos State High Court in suit number LD/7859GCM/2024, and no responsible permanent secretary will take action or direct a subordinate to do so in contempt.
“We are aware that members of LASTCOC and AMATO wrote a letter to generate “VOLUNTARY REVENUE” from their members to the ministry of transport using NEXUS ASSOCIATION OF MARITIME TRANSPORT OPERATORS, and an approval was issued for the same (copy attached); these do not form a basis for any ticket to be imposed on all truckers or to collect any form of dues on the road.
It is no news that an MOU was signed against any form of toll collection on the road.
“We are not unaware of the illicit payments or compromises extended to the officials of the Ministry of Transportation to facilitate all sorts of illegality and extortion; this may lead to a breakdown of law and order.
“We are by this medium informing you of the likelihood of a crisis that may result from this development.
“We have advised severally against double taxation and imposition of representation on us by the Ministry of Transportation, and a continuous disregard for the rule of law shall meet resistance from us.
Business Hilights reports that the letter is equally copied to the following offices for record purpose:
- The Speaker,
Lagos State House of Assembly.
- The Attorney General and Commissioner of justice.
- The Commissioner, Lagos State ministry of Transportation,
- The Head of Service, Lagos State
- The Commissioner of police, Lagos State Command.
- The Commissioner of Police, Western Port command.
- The Director, Department of State Services, Lagos State.
- The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority.
- The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council.
