The Federal Government of Nigeria has established a five-member committee to address the issues of multiple taxation and the harassment of truck owners, a matter that has been causing significant concern in the transportation sector.
This development follows a meeting between the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, and representatives from the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) in Abuja.
The unions had threatened to embark on a nationwide strike due to ongoing issues, including the destruction of trucks, the brutalization of drivers, and the imposition of illegal tariffs by various groups.
Acknowledging the importance of transportation to Nigeria’s economy, the Minister emphasized the need for dialogue and cooperation between the unions and the government to resolve the situation.
Key challenges highlighted during the meeting included the destruction of trucks, harassment of drivers, and excessive towing practices, particularly by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
These issues have been negatively impacting the trucking businesses, hindering the renewal of fleets, and affecting income.
The committee, chaired by Oloruntola Olufemi, Permanent Secretary of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, with Adeleye Adeoye, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, as Co-Chairman, includes legal and transport officials.
The committee is tasked with submitting its recommendations to the Minister within two weeks.