Police declare port corridor ticketing, revenue collection illegal
Police Intervene in Lagos Port Revenue Dispute
By Godwin Oritse
The Western Ports Police Command has stepped in to mediate a dispute between the Committee of Maritime Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA) and the Lagos State Trucks and Cargo Operators Committee (LASTCOC) concerning the proposed sale of revenue tickets on the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors.
The intervention follows a petition from COMTUA, which alleges that the proposed revenue collection efforts on the port access roads are illegal.
In response, the Commissioner of Police for the Western Ports Command organized a peace meeting at the Command Headquarters, aiming to resolve the conflict and prevent disruptions along the vital maritime routes.
The meeting, chaired by the Commissioner of Police, included Deputy Commissioners of Police responsible for Operations and Administration, as well as the Area Commander for Tin Can Island and Divisional Police Officers from Apapa and RORO ports. Several senior officers from the Ports Authority Police Command and Principal Security Officers for the Nigerian Ports Authority also attended.
During the meeting, Yinka Aroyewun, National President of COMTUA, announced that both parties had mutually agreed to maintain peace and avoid any actions that could disrupt law and order in the port area.
The Commissioner of Police urged all parties to adhere to the agreements reached, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic and port operations.
Aroyewun stated that both parties agreed not to engage in any committee or union activities, including revenue collection and ticket sales, on the port access corridors. The Police Command reiterated that revenue collection and ticket sales on these roads are illegal and will not be tolerated.
COMTUA expressed gratitude to the Western Ports Police Command for its timely involvement, reaffirming its commitment to fostering a peaceful environment and encouraging truck operators to conduct their business without fear of harassment or illegal activities.
