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Crisis brews in maritime industry as truck owners vow to resist imposition of levy by Lagos government.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu
The Eyewitness Reporter
The relative industrial harmony currently pervading the entire landscape of Nigerian Ports may soon be ruptured by the ludicrous plan by the Lagos state government to impose what has been described as illegal fees on truck owners.
The truck owners, through the National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP) and  Council of Maritime  Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA), have raised the alarm over the impending crisis being perpetrated by the subterranean attempt of  Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation capable of breaching the peace in the maritime transport unions.
Adisa Moshood Olaitan, the President of NAMTOP and  Adeyinka Aroyewun, the National President of COMTUA, in separate letters to the Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, complained about the creation and imposition of a committee called Lagos State Trucks and Cargo Committee, contrived by Sola Giwa and the Ministry of Transportation to extort maritime truck owners and their drivers.
In their separate letters addressed to Governor Sanwo-Olu and copied to the IGP, Director of SSS and the Lagos state Attorney General, the two leaders appealed to Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the brewing crisis by calling his lieutenants to order.
The unionists complained of divide and rule tactics of the state ministry of Transportation and Mr Giwa to destabilise the maritime transport unions through the imposition of what they called an illegal committee charged with the collection of the equally illegal harmonised fee.
They reminded the sponsors of the illegal committee that the only legal fee known and accepted by the transport unions was the Wharf Landing fee which came into law in 2007.
They warned that any attempt by the state government and its agents to impose another Levy would set the maritime industry on fire as truck owners and truck drivers would resist the imposed levy with the last pint of their blood.
“I am writing to you today to express my deep concern about the creation of a committee that is aimed at acting against the activities of our unions and associations in the maritime transport industry.
“As a member of this industry, it becomes a matter of concern that despite our protest letter to your office and advice to the Ministry of Transportation against its resolve on the creation of this committee, we received through a letter of appointment from members of the committee a plot against the activities of our association.
“The letter emanating from the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, signed by the special adviser to the governor of transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, whose interest and partisanship have been greatly mentioned in our leadership crisis that resulted in the ongoing litigation, can best be described as a recipe for the crisis and the breakdown of the law and order within our industry and in Lagos State.

“The members of the said committee are also members of the same association where the leadership contest is a subject of litigation.

“The imposition of these individuals under the guise of a committee of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation to supervise the activities of our association is in contempt of a court process, and it’s unacceptable.
“In the letter, part of the committee’s mandate is a collection of harmonised fee. This harmonised fee is not a Lagos State government levy.
” It was agreed upon by unions and associations in our collaboration known as the National Association of Maritime Transport Operators ( NAMTOP) ; as such, the ministry lacks jurisdiction on such collection.
“The only government levy in Lagos State is the wharf landing fee. This fee became law and came into operation as a harmonised fee in 2007 for maritime transport operators and it has since been respected.
” Setting up a committee to “adopt and ensure the payment of a harmonised fee as approved by the Lagos State government” as contained in the “terms of reference” of the said committee is provocative.

“We shall use every legal means to protest against the activities of this said committee which will amount to double taxation, imposition of leadership on our association, contempt of court and conduct that may lead to a breach of public peace.

“We plead with your Excellency, to call Hon Sola Giwa and officers of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation to order” Adisa Moshood Olaitan, pleaded with Governor Sanwo-Olu.
On his part, Aroyewun, the COMTUA National President described the proposed few as double taxation which will bring untold hardship to his members.
“The proposed collection of dues will not only cause financial hardship to the truckers but will also lead to a breakdown of law and order. We truckers are an important part of the economy, and we should not be subjected to such illegal and unjust actions.
“The terms of reference listed for the committee contain the entire content of our agreement as a collaboration.
“This is contained in a letter.
MOT/AG./2937/1/10 of February 13, 2023, signed by the permanent secretary, Engr. Toriola, as attached.
This may be contentious and may lead to a breach of peace.
“The individuals listed as members of the committee lost their bid to head or lead our collaboration in an election.
“Selecting the same person to head a committee with the same terms of reference as our collaboration is seen as a ploy to impose or sponsor these individuals to act in place of our union.
“As a committee established by the government, it is expected that the rewards for its members are the responsibility of the government, not the creation of an extortion avenue under the guise of being harmonised to be paid by truckers.
“This deliberate attempt to cause a crisis is the handwork of the Special Adviser to Mr. Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa.
“There is no need for the divide-and-rule approach of the ministry, as the consequences can best be imagined.
“That the loss of Mr. Lookman Shittu to Mr. Moshood Adisa Olaitan as to the seat of the chairman does not put the association or the industry in crisis but the deliberate attempt by the officials of the ministry to create one.
“That a civil medium for resolving the Chairman issue between Mr. Adisa Moshood and Alh Lookman Shittu is in court in suit ID/7478GCM/2023 and is currently at the stage where counsel for the parties is to address the court on January 31, 2024.
The claim of vacuum as a ground advanced by the ministry to establish the committee is unfounded.
The composition of a committee to act in place of our association is not only illegal as it is in contempt but also does not fall under the purview of the Ministry of Transportation.
“It is shameful that the ministry officials and the Special Adviser could not hide their desperation to impose a looser of an election on a union through an illegitimate committee but in absolute disobedience to the rule of law, proceeding on such action that can set the state on fire.
“We are not disturbed by the “name-dropping” antics of the gang; we are concerned when the governor and his deputy, whose names are mentioned as sponsors of this agenda, keep their silence against our complaints and protests.
“We advise the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu, to immediately call Hon. Sola Giwa and the officials of the Ministry of Transportation to order, as their actions may set the state on fire.
“It is important that the government take urgent steps to address this issue and ensure that the rights of truckers are protected.
“This will not only prevent a crisis and breakdown of law and order but also ensure that the state’s economy is not negatively impacted.
“I urge you to take immediate action to stop the proposed illegal collection of dues from truckers by the committee set up by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.
“Failure to do so may lead to a crisis and a breakdown of law and order in the state” the COMTUA president warned.
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Headlines

May Day: Mobereola salutes maritime workers for passion, dedication to building virile industry 

Gloria Odion,  Maritime reporter 

The Director – General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has saluted the courage , passion and dedication of maritime workers to building strong and virile industry.
In his message at the Workers’ day on May 1st, 2026, the NIMASA DG extolled the virtues of workers and acknowledged the distinguished service of various stakeholders whose efforts he noted continue to significantly contribute to the development of the Nigerian maritime industry.
Dr. Mobereola, while wishing stakeholders a Happy Workers’ Day said “to all the amazing officers and stakeholders in the maritime sector who bring their passion and expertise to work daily.

“Thank you for your dedication and invaluable contributions”.

He emphasized that as a regulator, the Agency remains committed to its oversight function of regulating maritime labour activities in the industry in line with extant instruments and the expectations of the theme of the 2026 Workers’ Day, which focuses on safety, dignity and productivity.

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Customs

Kaila, Seme Customs CAC, seeks collaboration with stakeholders to achieve seemless trade along border corridor 

Funso OLOJO, Editor
The new Area Controller of the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, has  reached out to traditional rulers and  sister agencies at the border communities to ensure the achievement of his mandate of detection, determent of smuggling, revenue generation and trade facilitation along the border corridor.
To achieve these objectives, Comptroller Kaila went on tour of the communities within the border corridor where he met and sought for the support and cooperation of major critical stakeholders, including the traditional rulers and sister agencies.
According to him, his objective was to eradicate trade hindrances affecting free movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan business corridor.
Speaking at the Palace of Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Customs Area Controller condoled with the royal family and entire people of Badagry kingdom on the passing away of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I who was a well recognized traditional ruler across the border communities.
“”The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to equally seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service.
“Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling.
“And we in the Customs believe that without due support and co-operation from traditional rulers, we can not have effective performance of our functions as Customs officers” he said
 The King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, who described Kaila as the son of the soil, added that “We have listened to your request.
” Know that Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade, ” he stated.
Comptroller Kaila also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori-Kingdom, where the monarch, Oba Israel Okoya, signifies his commitment to fostering the service relationship with residents living within the border  communities
“I welcome you to Badagry and be rest assured that I will always talk to my people whenever the need is required.
” In our town, our youth does not engage in illegalities as I have no other choice than to assist you in achieving the government mandate, ” he mentioned
While at the Palace of Alapa of Apa Kingdom, the king HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye commended and described the CAC, Comptroller Kaila as a professional, seasoned and well respected officer as described by indigenes of border communities.
“I promise you that I will always assist you in my area for anything that you need.
“Our border here has been peaceful because our youth always listen to the elders, and I know with your presence here, things will change for the better, ” he said
In his efforts to consolidate on existing synergy between sister security agencies, Kaila also visited Headquarters of 653 Nigerian Air force base, Ahanve-Badagry.
The  Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy  Medugu,expressed the  readiness of the formation to always support the command in achieving its mandate.
“Our collaboration has been key to various successes we have recorded in our area of responsibility.
” Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration between both Services, and we will not take it for granted ,” he said
The Area Controller then ended his familirisation tour with seeking for mutual cooperation with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office, showing his readiness to eradicate hindrances affecting the free movement of goods and services across the border.
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Headlines

Opeifa decries encroachment on NRC properties across the country 

— praises collaboration with Abia, Enugu govts.
Funso OLOJO, Editor 
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has reiterated his displeasure over the widespread practice of encroachment on the properties of the Nigerian Railways Corporation across the country, warning that such action would not be tolerated by his administration.
Opeifa was speaking during the separate meetings he recently had with the governments of both Abia and Enugu states.
Represented by the Railway District Manager, Eastern District, Mr. Agwonye Francis Ejike, the NRC boss quickly condemned the occupation of the Corporation’s right- of – way by squatters in Umuahia, while correcting the wrongly- held belief that the Railway is defunct.
Opeifa however applauded the cordial and collaborative relationship between the Corporation and the governments of both Abia and Enugu.
According to him, such productive harmony can only yield even greater positive results for the benefit of the people.
During the Umuahia meeting, Dr. Opeifa strongly praised the Abia State Government for its crucial assistance in clearing the NRC’s right-of-way within Umuahia.
 He reiterated unequivocally that no one is permitted to build any structure on railway property without obtaining express approval from his office.
Appealing directly to the public, he urged for greater patience, stressing that the plans for the critical track extension from Aba, through Umuahia to Enugu and beyond, remain very much on course.
Responding on behalf of the Abia State Government, Mr. Kingsley Agomoh stated that the State Government is actively engaging all stakeholders by providing alternative, seamless locations for those currently conducting business on the railway right-of-way.
 He further revealed that the state government has already finalized plans to plant trees along the route, creating a leisurely and aesthetically conducive environment for relaxation, replacing previous commercial activities.
The high-powered team then embarked on an extensive inspection of the alternative relocation site for displaced persons; the demolition site where iron barrier installation is progressing; the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal; the site for the new Umuahia Railway Station; and the route for the proposed link road passing through the existing railway station.
The meeting also explored the provision of a temporary location for the Railway Police and the PTO, pending the construction of the new Umuahia Station, which is designed to include a police station and other NRC offices.
The same impactful message was delivered to Enugu State, where the Commissioner of Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozoh (representing the State Government), equally assured the NRC MD of the Enugu State Government’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with the Corporation to achieve its aims and objectives.
Describing Dr. Opeifa as a personal friend from their private sector days, Dr. Ozoh lauded him as a leader who “knows perfectly well what he is doing.”
He further assured the NRC that the Enugu State Government will actively assist in demolishing any obstruction on the Corporation’s right-of-way, stressing that the state eagerly awaits the flag-off to recommence construction of the rail line from Aba to Enugu and beyond.
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