Tensions escalated in Lagos’ haulage corridor earlier this week as members of the Nigerian Union of Haulage Truck and Trailer Drivers took to the streets in protest over alleged harassment and extortion by operatives of the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences and other traffic enforcement bodies.
The demonstration followed the alleged assault of a truck driver during a late-night operation in Ikeja’s industrial area, an incident union leaders say nearly turned fatal.
Carrying placards and photos of their injured colleague, Comrade Prince Ogunkanmi Adekunle, the drivers accused enforcement agencies, including the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), of sustained intimidation under the guise of traffic control.
Union Chairman Okunola Omogbolahan described the situation as part of a “long-standing pattern,” alleging that enforcement crackdowns on truckers have persisted for years despite repeated complaints.
The incident, which reportedly occurred around 1:30 a.m. near the Guinness gate in Ikeja, has reignited concerns about night-time enforcement operations and the ongoing parking crisis facing truck drivers in Lagos’ industrial hubs.
While the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences says it is unaware of the specific case and has urged affected parties to file formal complaints, union members insist the matter reflects deeper structural issues within the state’s logistics enforcement framework.
With haulage operators warning of possible legal action, the situation underscores renewed friction between enforcement agencies and key players in Lagos’ freight movement chain.
