Port truckers decry NURTW, RTEAN extortion in Lagos
Maritime truckers and transport operators in Lagos State have raised concerns over alleged extortion, harassment and the imposition of union tickets and levies by members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
The truckers, who operate along several logistics routes in the state, alleged that their members have been subjected to repeated demands for payments by individuals claiming to represent the two transport unions, despite the fact that some of the affected drivers and operators are not members of either association.
In a petition paper titled: “Legal Position On Freedom Of Association And The Imposition Of Union Tickets,” and made available to Daily Sun, the Secretary General of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Mohamed Sani Bala said that the alleged activities are taking place in areas including Kirikiri, Abule Osun, Agboju, Iyana-Iba, Amuwo and Ikorodu, as well as other routes frequently used for the movement of cargo and goods across Lagos.
According to him, the situation had created additional costs and operational difficulties for businesses already grappling with rising logistics expenses, delays and other challenges associated with road transportation.
He maintained that the payment of union dues or purchase of union tickets should not be imposed on drivers and transport operators who have not voluntarily joined the relevant associations.
Citing the Trade Union (Amendment) Act 2005, he argued that membership of a trade union is voluntary and that employees should not be compelled to join a union or subjected to victimisation for refusing to join or remain a member.
He further referred to Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which guarantees citizens the right to peaceful assembly and association.
“The constitutional provision includes the right of individuals to form or belong to associations of their choice for the protection of their legitimate personal, economic and professional interests.
“On this basis, drivers and transport operators who are not members of NURTW or RTEAN should not be compelled to pay union dues, purchase union tickets or submit to union-related levies solely because they operate within the transport sector,” he argued.
He, therefore, called on relevant authorities to examine the alleged imposition of tickets and levies and determine whether such demands have a valid statutory or other lawful basis.
He also accused some individuals associated with the unions of using harassment and intimidation to enforce payments, warning that unchecked activities could lead to unnecessary confrontation between transport operators and union members.
He stressed that truckers were raising the issue publicly in order to seek intervention from the appropriate authorities and prevent the situation from escalating into a broader security and public-order challenge.
He specifically appealed to the Lagos State government, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to investigate their complaints and take appropriate steps where violations are established.
He said early intervention was necessary to protect the rights of transport operators, ensure the free movement of cargo and prevent activities capable of disrupting logistics operations and public peace across the state.
However, the truckers further urged the government to establish clear and transparent guidelines governing legitimate transport-related charges, union activities and ticketing across major logistics corridors.
They argued that a predictable operating environment would not only protect drivers and transport businesses but also support the efficient movement of goods and strengthen Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s major commercial and logistics hub.
The operators said they remained committed to peaceful engagement with relevant stakeholders and would prefer dialogue and lawful intervention to confrontation.
They appealed to the authorities to address the alleged harassment and extortion before the situation deteriorates.
They also called on NURTW and RTEAN leadership to ensure that their members operate within the limits of the law and respect the rights of transport operators who choose not to belong to their organisations.
The truckers emphasised that their complaint was not directed against lawful trade unionism or the legitimate interests of organised transport workers, but against what they described as the compulsory imposition of payments on non-members.
They expressed hope that the Lagos State Government and security agencies would urgently intervene, investigate the allegations and provide a framework that guarantees freedom of association while preventing unlawful extortion, harassment and disruption of commercial transportation activities.
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