Warns of looming economic collapse if truckers withdraw services
The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), the umbrella body representing over 20 maritime truck associations in Nigeria, has thrown its weight behind the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) in rejecting the N12,500 Electronic Call-Up fee imposed by the Lagos State Government at the Lekki-Epe corridor.
In a strongly worded statement signed by the Lagos State Chapter Vice Chairman, Ridwan Bello, AMATO described the fee as “ill-conceived” and detrimental to the economic well-being of transporters and Nigerians at large.
The truckers said this decision, ostensibly aimed at generating revenue, utterly disregards the ease of doing business in Lagos and the economic hardship currently facing citizens.
According to the association, the ripple effects on the trucking industry and the general public will be far-reaching and devastating.
The group stressed that the additional cost will significantly raise operational expenses for truckers, which will inevitably be passed on to businesses and consumers, thereby worsening inflation and the cost of living.
AMATO warned that such a move threatens to stifle economic growth, discourage private sector investment, and undermine Nigeria’s competitiveness.
The association also issued a stark warning of potential industrial action if the state government fails to reverse the fee and adopt a more inclusive approach to policymaking.
“If this matter is not amicably resolved and all collaborating bodies—including AMATO, NARTO, and MWUN—are forced to down tools, the economic crisis that will ensue will be catastrophic. A collapse of the logistics and transportation sector could trigger mass job losses, rising poverty, and widespread social unrest,” the truckers stated.
The association emphasised the critical role of the transport sector as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and urged the Lagos State Government to consider alternative, less burdensome revenue streams.
“We call for a more consultative and people-centered approach to revenue generation—one that balances fiscal needs with the goal of promoting sustainable economic development,” the statement concluded.
AMATO reiterated its commitment to dialogue but stressed that it would not stand by as policies that threaten livelihoods are implemented without stakeholder input.
