Findings by Shipping Position Daily have revealed that despite over 120 arrests in the last two weeks by security agents, hoodlums, street urchins and extortionists have remained defiant and have resorted to illegal toll collections and extortion at night along the Lagos Ports Corridor.
This is even as truckers are calling on agencies to extend operations hours by extending their operatins to include night patrols to effectively combat the persistent extortion and truck vandalisation along the port access roads.
Recall that trucking unions and associations under the auspices of the Coalition of Maritime Truck Owners and Allied Services had recently threatened to embark on a nationwide strike in protest against the vandalism of trucks and the death of their members along the port access roads.
However, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) appealed to the consortium to stop the planned strike action promising that the issue will be addressed. The Managing Director of NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho led the discussion between the Ports Authority, the trucking association and other stakeholders resulting in the truckers putting an end to the impending national economic shutdown.
Shipping Position Daily gathered that the collaboration between NPA and the Lagos state government as well as leaders of all truck unions including National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) signed a communiqué that all collection of dues from any union member on the road was illegal. A committee under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos state was set up to start enforcement by arresting and prosecuting hoodlums along the port access roads.
The Lagos State Taskforce on its first enforcement exercise which took place on 14th September apprehended 54 individuals who were allegedly involved in illegal ticketing and extortion activities targeting trucks and commercial vehicles in the axis.
Similarly, on September 21, the Lagos State Task Force Team apprehended over 12 suspects during its enforcement of “No Toll Collection” on roads in Lagos State. The arrests were made along Mile 2, Badagry/Agbara access roads.
Our correspondent who took a tour along Mile 2 – Badagry Ecowas corridor last week observed a drastic reduction in the presence of hoodlums on the highway. Specifically at Mile 2 Bridge, only boys dressed in White and Green Uniforms suspected to be NURTW members were seen collecting tolls from commercial bus drivers. Also, members of RTEAN were also seen running after commercial buses for money at major bus stops along Badagry Expressway.
However, our correspondents observed that although there has been a significant drop in the presence of these hoodlums along the port access road, there are still some pockets of activities along the Mile Two Tin can port access road. Also, at Ijora- Apapa port access road axis, some boys who were not so visible were seen trying to demand money from truck drivers along the road.
Truckers who spoke with Shipping Position Daily last week informed that respite has returned to the port access roads, as the roads are now freer with little obstructions from the port gate to the warehouses.
Despite these significant efforts, the truckers informed that some hoodlums continue to operate particularly at night, prompting calls from truckers for extended and more intensified operations.
In a chat with the Secretary General of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Sani Bala Muhammed, he noted that significant progress has been made, with over 60 extortionists arrested across the Lagos Port Access Road.
Muhammed informed that the Nigerian Port Authority and the office of the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Zone 2 are actively collaborating to push the initiative. He added that they have set up a dedicated task force to target extortionists operating along the Tin Can-Apapa Port Corridor.
The AMATO Secretary General praised these efforts, while emphasizing the need for continued and sustainable operations to prevent the resurgence of these criminal activities.
To ensure the long-term success of this operation, Muhammed called for increased logistical support from the Nigerian Port Authority, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Lagos State Government, and other stakeholders. He stressed the importance of sustained action to prevent the hoodlums from re-grouping and resuming their illegal activities.
Despite the progress, Muhammed stressed that there are still pockets of extortion operations at port corridors; sometimes during the day and mostly at night. He specifically noted that the mop-up exercise against hoodlums is still less effective at some areas like Alakija, Abule Osun and some parts of Amuwo Odofin and Ijora Sifax.
Responding to the persistent presence of members of NURTW at Mile 2 – Tin Can port access road and other port corridors, Muhammed clarified that their involvement in toll collection from truck drivers is prohibited, although they are permitted to collect from their members.
Also speaking, foremost truck owner and Vice Chairman of AMATO, Mr Bello Rilwan revealed that despite a communique declaring the collection of dues from union members illegal, some individuals continue to defy this directive. These hoodlums have been involved in violent acts, including the killing of drivers and the destruction of trucks.
Bello confirmed that following the state government’s pronouncement, police tactical teams swiftly took action and have arrested over 120 suspected hoodlums in the last two weeks. He added that the police are determined to rid the roads of criminal elements.
Bello also expressed concerns about the impunity with which some of these criminals operate, often acting independently of any recognized union. He called for the real transport unions to take control of the situation, allowing for proper regulation and safety measures to be implemented.
In addition to dealing with the issue of hoodlums, Bello stressed the need for the union to focus on improving business operations, including acquiring towing vans and addressing health concerns related to drug and alcohol use among drivers.
On his part, Mr. Adebayo Adejumo, another truck owner and member of AMATO confirmed that since the task force began its operations, many of the extortionists have retreated from the port access roads.
Adejumo expressed concerns about extortionists reappearing at night, when the task force is not active. He said he expected their operations to cover night duties, in order to ensure these hoodlums are completely eradicated from the port access roads.
