The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has condemned all forms of racial discrimination, xenophobic hostility, intimidation and unlawful violence against maritime truck operators by foreign companies in Nigeria.
 
The association, in a statement made available by the National Secretary General, AMATO, Mohammed Bala, condemned the reported assault, molestation and degrading treatment of a maritime truck driver and his motor boy at the premises of an Indian company along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway following a disagreement over demurrage compensation incurred at the port.
 
The association said the information, photographic and video evidence made available to it showed that the two transport workers were subjected to physical assault and intimidation by Indian nationals with the involvement of company staff and security personnel, following a disagreement over their request for demurrage compensation.
   
AMATO said it considered the incident, which occurred on October 10, 2026, a serious matter that warrants an urgent police investigation. 
 
The maritime truckers said disputes over demurrage must be resolved through lawful and peaceful channels, not through force, intimidation or degrading treatment.
   
The association argued that no commercial disagreement can justify violence, humiliation or the violation of another person’s fundamental human rights. 
 
The association cited Section 34(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which guarantees every individual respect for the dignity of their person and prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment. 
 
“This constitutional protection applies to everyone in Nigeria, irrespective of nationality, occupation or social status.
   
“AMATO considers it unacceptable for any individual or corporate establishment to act as though Nigerian laws do not apply to them. Foreign nationals and corporate organisations operating in Nigeria are equally bound to respect the country’s laws and the fundamental rights of its citizens,” AMATO noted.
 
The association warned that it will not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or dehumanise its members and other transport workers in the course of their legitimate duties.
 
Consequently, AMATO called on the Assistant Inspector-General of Police and the relevant investigative authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, identify all persons involved, preserve available evidence and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law.
  
The maritime truckers further urge the company’s management to cooperate fully with the investigation and take appropriate steps to prevent any recurrence of such an incident.
 
The body emphasised that this position is directed at the reported conduct of the individuals involved and not at Indian nationals or any other nationality as a whole. 
 
“Our demand is for justice, accountability, equal protection under the law and respect for the dignity of every Nigerian worker. Respect for Nigerian workers. No one is above the law,” AMATO stated.
 
The association stated that it remains committed to protecting the welfare, safety and legitimate interests of maritime truck owners, drivers and motor boys who contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy and supply chains.