The Council of Maritime Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA) has petitioned President Bola Tinubu over what it describes as growing extortion, harassment, and intimidation of truck drivers operating on Lagos roads.
In a petition dated January 13, 2026, the association warned that the situation has continued to deteriorate, resulting in frequent vandalism of trucks, serious injuries to drivers, and reported cases of loss of lives.
COMTUA stated that several petitions, complaints, and peaceful protests submitted to the Lagos State Government over the activities of alleged extortionists have yielded little or no concrete response.
According to the association, truck operators who are not affiliated with the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) are often forced to pay arbitrary charges described as union dues. The union also alleged that another group, the Lagos State Trucks and Cargo Committee (LASTCOC), which it said was established by the Ministry of Transportation, compels trucks plying major routes to purchase a “voluntary” ticket.
The petition further highlighted incidents in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, where hoodlums reportedly extort truck drivers under the pretext of a “Road Maintenance” levy, with similar practices allegedly occurring across other parts of the state.
COMTUA noted that makeshift roadblocks are frequently set up along key logistics corridors to enforce these collections, while relevant state task forces and government agencies allegedly fail to intervene.
The association warned that persistent inaction could trigger a wider breakdown of security and public order, disrupting port access, haulage operations, supply chains, and overall economic activity in Lagos.
COMTUA has urged President Tinubu to investigate the role of the Lagos State Government in the alleged extortion, strengthen protection for truck drivers, ensure accountability for those involved, and introduce clearer regulation of union-related levies to prevent abuse.
While reaffirming its commitment to lawful engagement and peaceful dialogue, the association cautioned that the situation poses increasing risks to public safety and economic stability if left unresolved.
