By Femi Anamelechi
The Public Relations officer of the National Compliance Task Force South West Zone Dike Ekele Collins has called out the Officials of NPA, TTP and AMAYO for he tagged as lies by the Organizations. The Spokesman in a Pres release signed by himself said: “It is with great disappointment that we must inform you of the admissions made by an Association of Maritime Truck Owners ( AMATO) claiming to support truckers, but whose actions have proven to be in support for the oppressive policies of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) against innocent truckers.” Dike pointed out that AMATO, which often touts the success of the call-up system for truckers, recently made a shocking admission through Muhammad Sanni Bala (their secretary) on Channels television.
They admitted that extortion still persists through multiple check points, within the system, identity theft is rampant, congestion due to terminal schedules is a major issue, and the official payment is #21,000 higher than the #10,000 they claimed. This revelation is a clear indication of the failure of the call-up system that was supposed to streamline operations and ensure a fair and efficient process for truckers. Instead, it has only served to further exploit and oppress this group of hardworking individuals. According to him: “that Sanni request for improved enforcement architecture, introduction of E-Tag, to improve the call-up system is a confirmation that it was a mere illegal revenue generation outfit for NPA, TTP and AMATO in the last 4 years.” The highly embittered PRO maintained that Truckers play a vital role in our economy, transporting goods and materials across the country to keep businesses running smoothly.
It is unacceptable that they are being taken advantage of in this way, with their livelihoods at stake.As members of the National compliance Taskforce, we must stand in solidarity with truckers and demand accountability from the NPA, TTP and AMATO. We cannot allow them to continue to deceive and exploit those who are essential to our economy. He further said lamented what he said was most disturbing, the failure of The Nigerian Shipper’s Council to regulate fees in the Maritime industry as he accused the Agency of looking in a different direction while NPA continues to levy illegal charges on truckers. Dike said: “It is time for real change and reform within the call-up system, to ensure that truckers are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve. We must hold those responsible for these injustices accountable and work towards a system that truly supports and uplifts the trucking community.” National Compliance Task Force however urge all members to stay informed and engaged on this issue, and to support truckers in their fight for justice and equality.
