By Dapo Akinrefon

Chairman of the Amalgamation of Container Truck Owners and association of Nigeria, ACTOAN, Mr Bello Ridwan, on Friday, faulted the decision of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies, SSASCGOC, Maritime Branch and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, who threatened to shut down port operations in protest against the arrest of some of their officials.

Mr Ridwan, in a statement, stated that the critical stakeholders in the maritime sector support the actions taken by the Lagos State government just as he called for a sustained campaign to cleanse the port corridors of illegal checkpoints, touts, and institutionalized extortion.”

The statement reads: “It has come to our attention by a recent publication sponsored by the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) Maritime Branch and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), where they threatened to shut down port operations on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in protest against the arrest of some of their officials by the Lagos State government.

“As truck owners and critical stakeholders in the maritime sector, we wish to state unequivocally that we fully support the actions taken by the Lagos State government. The intervention was not arbitrary; rather, it was a response to our longstanding cries for help regarding the incessant extortion and harassment faced by truckers along port access roads. These illegal activities have crippled operations within the port and it has undermined our capacity to renew fleets and maintain efficiency.

“We commend the Lagos State Government for its bold and decisive steps to restore order and transparency to the port environment. We urge them to sustain and deepen this campaign to cleanse the port corridors of illegal checkpoints, touts, and institutionalized extortion.

“In light of these developments, we call on the leadership of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) to exercise caution and avoid taking steps that could be interpreted as endorsing impunity or shielding corrupt officers. A union’s role is to protect the integrity of the maritime sector and support the rule of law—not to defend arbitrary practices or obstruct reform.

“We also urge the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to promptly intervene and call the union officials to order. Escalating this matter through an industrial shutdown would only deepen the crisis and erode investor confidence in the Nigerian maritime industry.

“Lastly, it is pertinent to ask: What exactly are NPA workers doing at Barracks Road, which lies well outside the designated port corridor? This question speaks directly to the broader issue of overreach and illegitimate activities that must be addressed if we are serious about reforming port operations.

“We remain committed to working collaboratively with all relevant authorities to achieve a transparent, efficient, and secure port environment that serves the interest of all Nigerians.”