Oluyinka Onigbinde
Committee of Maritime Transport Union Associations (COMTUA) has described the newly- introduced N800 daily harmonised transport ticket as exploitative.
COMTUA in a letter dated 8th of February 2022, addressed to the Governor of Lagos State. Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and signed by its Director of Legal, Temilorun Komolafe, a copy of which was sighted by our correspondent, raised alarm that the newly-introduced harmonised transport ticket will amount to double taxation.
The truck owners’ group stated that it’s members are already paying for the Wharf Landing Fee on N1,000 on each container loaded on a truck.
The Union further stated that the said Wharf Landing Fee was introduced and accepted by its members since it is expected to cater for the revenue generation for both state and local governments.
COMTUA however alleged that despite payment of Wharf Landing Fee, every local government in the state is extorting its members serially, while adding that the extortion by touts and some local government personnel has also impacted negatively on its members’ businesses.
COMTUA argued that the ‘”Harmonised Transport Ticket” Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed and which is billed to commence this month should not apply to its members.
It also noted that despite calling the attention of the State Government severally to this abuse, there has been no positive action or result.
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The COMTUA in the letter, however urged that the Governor to use his good office to resolve the issues stating that COMTUA members strongly feel the exploitative rationale behind the policy.
According to the union: “Any payment charged on truck by any agency of Lagos State government shall amount to double taxation, especially when we are already paying Wharf Landing Fee on each container loaded on our truck.
“The said Wharf landing fee was introduced and accepted by us since it is expected to cater for the revenue generation for both state and local governments.
“Every local governments in the state are extorting our members serially and the attention of the State Government has been drawn severally to this abuse without any positive action or result.
“The extortion by touts and some local government personnel is also impacted negatively on our businesses.
“These, amongst several other issues surround these tickets,especially when our union was not involved in the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed to commence its operation.
“Sir, we plead with you to use your good offices to resolve these issues, as COMTUA members strongly feel the exploitative rationale behind the policy” it reads.
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