Maritime unions warn of unrest at ports

The Council of Maritime Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA) has raised concerns over possible unrest at Lagos ports, accusing the Lagos State Truck and Cargo Operators Committee (LASTCOC) of illegal toll collection amid an unresolved legal dispute over the committee's legitimacy.

Why it matters: The controversy highlights the perennial problems of extortion and double taxation associated with tax collection in Lagos. If unchecked, maritime workers could also down tools, impacting port operations and general commerce.

Go deeper: In a petition to the state government, COMTUA President, Comrade Yinka Aroyewun, criticised LASTCOC for extending toll collection beyond its members and claimed the Ministry of Transportation is enabling this alleged illegality. COMTUA stated that the committee’s authority is being contested in court under suit LD/7859GCM/2024, and described these actions as contemptuous.

Quote: “We have repeatedly advised against double taxation and the Ministry’s impositi…