COMTUA Takes Aim at AMATO Over Alleged Ticketing, Extortion on Lagos Truck Corridors

The Council of Maritime Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA) has launched a fresh attack on the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), accusing the body of allegedly contributing to the proliferation of ticketing and extortion faced by truck operators along Lagos maritime corridors.

COMTUA called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to enforce the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) governing truck operations and ensure that no association, committee or group is allowed to sell tickets on public roads.

The association further demanded the immediate disbandment of LASTCOC, alleging that the body had become a channel for extortion and multiple ticketing rather than serving the interests of truckers.

COMTUA urged the government to establish properly regulated holding bays for articulated vehicles, arguing that the absence of standard facilities leaves truckers vulnerable to touts, illegal charges and competing ticketing structures.

Aroyewun said the maritime trucking sector was already burdened by serious operational challenges, stressing that the alleged proliferation of illegal ticketing was worsening the difficulties faced by operators.

He urged the relevant authorities to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action against individuals and groups allegedly exploiting truckers through unauthorised collections and multiple levies.

The latest allegations have further intensified tensions within the maritime trucking sector, with COMTUA demanding greater transparency, enforcement of existing agreements and an end to what it described as an entrenched system of extortion along the corridors.

The allegations against AMATO, LASTCOC and other parties contained in the statement could not be independently verified as of press time. AMATO had not, in the material available, responded to the allegations.