Transport Unions Tackle Sanwo-Olu, Reject N12,500 Electronic Call-Up Rate

“The ripple effects of this charge on the trucking industry and the general public will be far-reaching and devastating, especially in the face of the current economic challenges”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AMATO Supports MWUUN & NARTO’s Rejection of Lekki Epe Axis Call-Up Rate

The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), the umbrella body of over twenty Maritime Truck Associations in Nigeria, unequivocally supports the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and Maritime Workers Union (MWUN) in their rejection of the N12,500 rate imposed on the Electronic Call-Up System at the Lekki-Epe axis of Lagos by the Lagos State Government.

This ill-conceived decision, ostensibly aimed at generating revenue, utterly disregards the economic well-being of the people and the ease of doing business in the state.

The ripple effects of this charge on the trucking industry and the general public will be far-reaching and devastating, especially in the face of the current economic challenges.

The imposition of this rate will lead to increased operational costs for truck owners, which will inevitably be passed on to consumers, exacerbating the already high cost of living.

This move will also stifle economic growth, discourage investment, and undermine the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses.

We warn that if this matter is not amicably resolved, and all collaborating bodies, including AMATO, NARTO, and MWUN, decide to down tools, the economic crisis that will ensue will be catastrophic.

The potential collapse of the logistics and transportation sector will have a multiplier effect on the economy, leading to widespread job losses, increased poverty, and social unrest.

The Lagos State Government must understand that the transportation sector is the backbone of the economy, and any disruption to its operations will have far-reaching consequences.

We urge the government to engage in a more consultative and inclusive approach to revenue generation, one that balances the need for revenue with the need to promote economic growth and development.

We advise the government to explore alternative revenue streams that do not burden the already over-stressed populace. The current economic challenges facing the nation demand prudent and people-oriented policies, not punitive measures that will worsen the situation.

Signed:

Comrade Ridwan Bello.

Vice Chairman, Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) Lagos State Chapter.