The Federal Government has established a five-member joint ministerial committee to address the ongoing challenges faced by the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).
The committee, comprising representatives from the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is tasked with mediating disputes and providing solutions to issues related to alleged harassment and multiple taxation affecting maritime truck owners.
The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali announced the formation of the committee on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, during a meeting in Abuja with the national executives of AMATO and NARTO. This decision follows growing concerns from the unions, who had signaled their intent to initiate a nationwide strike in response to continued challenges, including the destruction of trucks, brutalisation of drivers and imposition of illegal tariffs by various associations and groups.
In a statement issued by the director of media and public relations at the Ministry of Transportation, Muhammad Zakari, Alkali emphasised the significance of addressing these issues to prevent disruptions in the transportation sector, which he referred to as the gateway to the nation’s economy. He stressed the need for cooperation between the government and unions, as the sector cannot thrive without collaborative efforts.
Alkali called on AMATO and NARTO to engage in dialogue, assuring them of the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving their grievances. He reiterated the essential role that both unions play in the transportation sector and expressed optimism that the newly formed committee would help mediate a fair and constructive resolution.
During the meeting, Folake Soji-George, a member of AMATO’s board of trustees, outlined the reasons for the union’s decision to consider withdrawing its services. She highlighted the long-standing challenges faced by the maritime trucking community, including the destruction of trucks and brutalisation of drivers, which she said had made operations increasingly difficult.
Executive secretary of NARTO, Chief Aloga Ogbogo echoed these concerns, particularly criticising the excessive towing practices by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and citing incidents of harassment and violence against truck drivers. He explained that these issues have severely affected their businesses and hindered transporters from renewing their fleets due to decreased income.
The newly constituted committee will be chaired by the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Oloruntola Olufemi, with permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Adeleye Adeoye serving as co-chairman. The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations within two weeks.
