NARTO, MWUN Slam Lagos Govt Over Exorbitant N12,500 Levy at Lekki Port
The National Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) have vehemently opposed the implementation of a N12,500 E-Call Up system levy imposed on trucks at the Lekki Deep Blue Seaport by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.
According to a statement signed by Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, Head of Media for MWUN, NARTO had initially objected to the levy, citing the already high operational costs faced by transporters due to the soaring prices of petroleum products.
NARTO's management had written to the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, explaining the adverse economic implications of the levy and its potential to exacerbate the hardship faced by Nigerians. Despite this, the Ministry has not deemed it necessary to convene a meeting to discuss the concerns raised by NARTO. The transport union argues that imposing such an exorbitant levy would be unrealistic and detrimental to the interests of Nigerians.
While NARTO and MWUN are committed to supporting initiatives that promote efficiency and orderliness in the transportation sector, they believe that the current levy is excessive and unsustainable. They have therefore appealed to the Governor of Lagos State to intervene in the matter and facilitate a dialogue between the parties. Both unions are eager to find a mutually beneficial solution that balances the needs of the state government with the interests of transporters and the broader Nigerian public.
"We are not opposed to the levy initiative per se, but we believe that the amount imposed is unreasonable and would further worsen the plight of Nigerians who are already struggling to make ends meet," the unions stated. "We urge the Lagos State Government to revisit this issue and work with us to find a solution that is fair and equitable for all parties involved."
The development has sparked concerns about the potential impact of the levy on transportation costs and the overall economy. As the situation stands, NARTO and MWUN are awaiting a response from the Lagos State Government, hoping that their concerns will be addressed and a resolution reached.
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