Wale Jagun
The National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP), has declared its readiness to join the planned national protest against bad governance in the country.
The protest, which is scheduled between August 1 to 10, 2024, has generated lots of reactions from the government and Nigerians.
In a statement on Saturday, signed by the National President, National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP), the body stated that its members are joining the protest, because they are on daily basis adversely affected by the government’s actions.
He alleged double taxation by the Lagos State Government, and extortion by the police and other agencies.
“National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP) wishes to announce its readiness to join the national protest in Nigeria, to end bad governance.
“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.
“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”, he said.
While stating that it is their right to protest, Aroyewun also emphasized that members of his association intends to participate in a peaceful protest.
“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 said.
