The Council of Maritime Truck Unions and Associations (COMTUA) has raised alarm over what it described as widespread extortion by transport unions in Lagos State, accusing the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and allied groups of imposing illegal levies on truck operators, particularly in the Epe area of the state.
In an open letter dated January 6, 2026, and addressed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, COMTUA alleged that truck drivers are being forced to pay a compulsory daily ticket fee of ₦5,000, regardless of their union affiliation, under threats of harassment and violence.
The letter, signed by COMTUA’s National President, Adeyinka Aroyewun, accused the state government of complacency in the face of repeated complaints, warning that the situation has worsened rather than improved.
According to COMTUA, many of the affected truckers are not members of RTEAN or any transport union but are still compelled to pay the levy to operate, a practice the group described as an abuse of power and a violation of the rule of law.
“These extortionist practices undermine public trust in governance and expose hardworking citizens to intimidation and exploitation,” the association stated, adding that the failure of authorities to intervene was unacceptable.
The group warned that continued inaction could provoke resistance from truck operators and potentially lead to public unrest if the situation is allowed to fester.
COMTUA called on Governor Sanwo-Olu to take immediate steps to address the issue, including publicly condemning extortion by union officials, ordering a full investigation into alleged abuses within the transport sector, and directing security agencies to protect truckers from illegal levies.
The association also urged the Lagos State Government to convene stakeholders across the transport industry to develop sustainable solutions that protect livelihoods while ensuring order and legality.
COMTUA said decisive action by the governor was critical to restoring confidence, maintaining public order, and safeguarding the welfare of truck operators across the state.
