In a pressing development, chairman of the Lagos State Truck and Cargo Operators Committee (LASTCOC), Alhaji Lukman Shittu Zangalo, in a letter dated 14/01/2024, which was addressed to truckers and members of the port community system, has raised the alarm of a brewing crisis between the National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP) factions, while emphasising the need for urgent intervention to avert a potential industry-wide crisis.
The letter, which was sighted by the Nigerian Tribune, accuses one Yinka Aroyewun, allegedly an impostor president of a terminated association, of splintering and forming a parallel body in defiance of the majority’s recognition of Alhaji Zangalo as the state chairman.
Zangalo, in the letter, contended that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing the Council of Maritime Truck Unions and Associations (COMTUA) was terminated on 20/07/2023, citing alleged selfish motives, contempt, and instigation of violence against authorities and stakeholders.
Zangalo further blamed the factionalisation of NAMTOP for the failure of truckers to form a unified body as directed by the Lagos State government.
He explained that the legal vacuum led to the formation of LASTCOC, tasked with managing the affairs of truck and cargo operators to achieve the goals of the ease of doing transportation business policy.
He explained that both factions of NAMTOP have equal representation in LASTCOC.
He added that Aroyewun had earlier given his support for the harmonised Lagos State government ticket, aimed at ending multiple imposition tickets, adding that the sudden change in stance is portrayed as hypocritical, with allegations of double taxation arising due to the inability of NAMTOP to manage the ticket.
The letter urged stakeholders to disregard previous petitions against LASTCOC, describing them as motivated by personal greed and selfish interests while expressing commitment to working with authorities, unions and relevant stakeholders to promote trade facilitation, seamless cargo evacuation, free-flowing traffic and ease of doing business in the industry.
Meanwhile, in another letter dated the same day and addressed to Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Zangalo refuted earlier claims by Aroyewun about the alleged imposition of illegal taxation on truckers by the LASTCOC.
Aroyewun had accused the committee of using its influence to extract money under the guise of harmonising fees, leading to potential double taxation.
In response, Zangalo refuted Aroyewun’s claims, pointing out that the Lagos Ministry of Transportation mandated the committee to adopt legal means to harmonize fees approved by the State government.
He highlighted ongoing efforts by the committee, under the administration of Mr. BabajideSanwoolu and Special Adviser Hon. Sola Giwa, to eradicate double taxation and illegal dues, with potential annual savings of tens of billions of Naira for truckers.
The LASTCOC Chairman further calls on relevant security agencies to question Aroyewun and holds him responsible for any potential breakdown of law and order.
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