Vincent Toritseju
Nigeria — The National Association of Maritime Transport Operators, NAMTOP, has petitioned the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagalbaja, over the alleges involvement of some Army personnel in the illegal collection of Lagos State consolidated ticket by members of the Lagos State Truck and Cargo Committee, LASTCOC, along Lagos-Badagry express road around Agbara.
In the petition signed by the National President of NAMTOP, Comrade Adeyinka Aroyewun said that the group has received numerous complaints from its members about the activities of LASTCOC officials, who forcefully collect illegal fees from truck drivers and other transport operators on the highways in Lagos State.
Aroyewun also stated that the group has received reports that some Army personnel are alleged to have been employed by one Alh Mufutau Aliu alias ‘Olori Ebi’ to enforce the collection of these illegal fees.
Part of the Petition reads: “I am writing to bring to your attention the involvement of some Army personnel in the illegal collection of Lagos State consolidated ticket by members of the Lagos State Truck and Cargo Committee (LASTCOC) on the main road on Lagos-Badagry express road around Agbara.
“As the President of the National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP), I have received numerous complaints from our members about the activities of LASTCOC officials, who forcefully collect illegal fees from truck drivers and other transport operators on the highways in Lagos State. “We have also received reports that some Army personnel have been employed by one Alh Mufutau Aliu aka ‘Olori Ebi’ to enforce the collection of these illegal fees.
“This is a gross violation of the rights of our members, who are already burdened with numerous taxes and levies imposed by various government agencies. It is also a breach of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of movement of citizens without hindrance.
“We, therefore, appeal to you to investigate this matter and take appropriate actions to stop the involvement of Army personnel in this illegal activity. We also urge you to ensure that our members and other road users are protected from the harassment and extortion by LASTCOC officials.
“We believe that your intervention will go a long way in restoring sanity and order on Lagos-Badagry express road and other highways in Lagos State.”