Truckers, Maritime Workers’ Suspend Planned Service Withdrawal

The proposed shutdown of port operations at the Lagos seaports has averted as the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and two major haulage unions, the Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) have suspended their planned three-day service withdrawal.

Recall that the unions had issued an ultimatum on February 24, 2025, citing “exploitative activities” by the Lagos State Committee on Removal of Abandoned Vehicles and the Special Traffic Management Committee and Enforcement Team in Apapa.

The unions alleged “incessant harassment, bullying, and imposition of unregulated outrageous penalty charges” on truck drivers operating in the Apapa and Tin Can ports access roads.

However, the unions in a joint statement issued Thursday announced the suspension of their planned strike following intervention by the Lagos State Government and other key maritime stakeholders.

In the statement jointly signed by the Secretaries-General of NARTO, AMATO, and MWUN, Mr. Aloga Ogbogo, Bala Muhammed and Oniha Erazua respectively, the unions expressed appreciation for the “timely response” from the Lagos State Government, which promptly issued meeting invitations to address the grievances.

The group also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), the Nigeria Customs Service, and other relevant authorities in facilitating dialogue with the Lagos State Government.

“We note and appreciate the timely response of the Lagos State Government for quickly sending out meeting invites to us in respect of this burning issue.

“We also appreciate the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Shippers Council, Nigeria Customs Service and other authorities who have joined hands with us to immediately commence dialogue with the Lagos State Government with a view to procuring lasting solution to our plight,” the statement read.

The statement also informed members nationwide, authorities, and the general public that the previously announced service withdrawal is suspended pending the outcome of the discussions between the unions and the Lagos State Government.

They urged their members to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue their daily business activities while the dialogue progresses.