… seeks intervention via President Tinubu’s constitutional powers
The Council of Maritime Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA) has written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, appealing for urgent federal intervention over what it described as the failure of the Lagos State Government to protect truckers and citizens from widespread extortion, harassment and intimidation.
In the letter dated January 13, 2026, and signed by COMTUA National President, Adeyinka Aroyewun, the council accused the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of neglecting its constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of truck drivers operating across Lagos State.
According to the letter, the alleged inaction of the state government has led to frequent vandalism of trucks, serious injuries to drivers and, in some cases, loss of lives. The group said repeated petitions, complaints and peaceful protests to relevant authorities have failed to yield meaningful intervention or redress.
The council further alleged that members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) are forcibly collecting arbitrary levies from non-members under the guise of union dues. COMTUA also raised concerns about an allegedly illegal body, the Lagos State Trucks and Cargo Committee (LASTCOC), said to have been set up by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation and currently imposing what it described as a “voluntary” ticket on truckers.
Specific instances of extortion were cited across several local government areas. In Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, the council alleged that hoodlums operating in the name of the local council extort truckers using a so-called “Road Maintenance” ticket. At Eleko Junction in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, COMTUA claimed that a combination of LASTCOC officials and community youths collect ₦6,000 from each truck daily, while at a major junction in Epe, another group involving RTEAN members allegedly collects ₦5,000 per truck every day.
The council said roadblocks are routinely mounted on key access roads to enforce these collections, accusing state task force officials of feigning ignorance despite the open nature of the activities.
Describing the situation as a serious threat to public order and economic stability in Lagos, COMTUA called on President Tinubu to use his constitutional powers to intervene.
The group urged the President to investigate the actions of the Lagos State Government in relation to the alleged extortion, restore the rights and protections of truckers, ensure accountability for those involved, and reform union-related financial collections to prevent exploitation.
While reaffirming its commitment to peace, dialogue and the sustainable development of Lagos State and Nigeria, COMTUA warned that continued inaction could lead to a breakdown of law and order with wider security implications.
The Council said it was placing its hope in the President’s leadership to protect the rights of truckers and restore dignity and justice to the transport sector.