NAMTOP Dissociates from Proposed Withdrawal of Service by AMATO and Co-Conspirators
The National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP) has distanced itself from a proposed withdrawal of service by the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) and the Lagos State Truck and Cargo Operators Committee, led by Remi Ogungbemi, Lookman Shittu, and others.
In a statement signed by Adisa Moshood Olaitan, NAMTOP acknowledged the right of individuals and groups to protest and engage government and security agencies on issues. However, the association emphasized that AMATO and its collaborators represent only themselves and their members, not the entire truck owners and operators in the maritime transport industry.
NAMTOP partially agrees with the group on issues raised, such as extortion by state and non-state actors, harassment, and intimidation. However, the association disagrees with the group's planned withdrawal of service, citing concerns about the group's own involvement in extortion and illegal activities.
The statement accused the leaders of AMATO and LASTCOC of engaging in extortion and illegal ticket sales, and called for a holistic investigation and prosecution of all acts of extortion and illegality. NAMTOP advised the general public against the diversionary tactics of these groups and assured that its members are law-abiding and open for business as usual.
The association expressed concerns that the proposed withdrawal of service would cause unnecessary disruption to the maritime industry and lead to economic losses for all stakeholders involved. NAMTOP called on government and security agencies to intervene and prevent any attacks on its members or property.
In conclusion, NAMTOP reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its members, property, and business against any form of attack, while emphasizing its dissociation from the proposed withdrawal of service by AMATO and its co-conspirators.
0 Comments