Seven prominent unions and associations that formed the Council for Maritime Truck Union’s and Association (COMTUA) on Monday officially signed-off the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the end of the group’s existence.
The decision to dissolve the haulage transporters’ council came into effect on July 31, 2023, following the agreement of the founding associations, stating that COMTUA has outlived its purpose.
The seven associations, which include Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Amalgamation of Container Truck Owners Association ACTOA and Container Truck Owners Association of Nigeria COTOAN, expressed this position at a press briefing and a signing-off ceremony which held at the NARTO in Apapa, Lagos.
They stated that COMTUA under the leadership of Mr. Yinka Aroyewun had derailed and lost the respect of stakeholders in the maritime industry.
Speaking at the dissolution, the pioneer President of COMTUA, Comrade Olaleye Thompson, called on the government to take drastic steps to arrest anyone parading themselves as COMTUA, stating that the Council ceased to exist henceforth.
Thompson described COMTUA as a child of necessity that has outlived its usefulness while urging all government agencies, including security agencies and maritime stakeholders, to be aware that the body has ceased to exist and to stop dealing with anyone who still claims to represent it.
He said “The initial objective of COMTUA was to address the chaotic traffic situation in Apapa. It was established in 2019, formed by six unions and associations – MWUN, NARTO, ACATOA, COTOAN, AMATO, and RTEAN.
“However, after about eight months of collaboration, issues arose, and MWUN and NARTO withdrew their support due to alleged misconduct by the then-Organising Secretary, Mr. Adeyinka Aroyewun.
“Despite attempts to continue functioning as a watchdog, the body faced further challenges and eventually reached a unanimous decision to be scrapped during an emergency meeting held on July 20, 2023”
The seven associations stated that COMTUA was not a legally registered corporate entity, adding that its dissolution was a straightforward process.
The founding associations emphasized that whoever still parades themselves as part of COMTUA is doing so illegally and should be dealt with accordingly by relevant security agencies.
Speaking also at the MoU signing-off ceremony, the President General of MWUN, Com. Adewale Adeyanju, expressed satisfaction with the dissolution and assured continued advocacy for the interests of the port industry.
Speaking also, Stephen Okafor, former Deputy President of the defunct group of truckers maintained that a letter will emanate from the founding fathers to inform the bank on COMTUA dissolution and outright freezing of accounts.
Lending her voice also, the former financial secretary of the defunct COMTUA; Mrs. Folake George reiterated that the former council’s bank account will be frozen immediately after the MoU dissolution.
The highlight of the occasion was the signing of the dissolution letter by the seven founding associations and unions.
