Tin Can Port Bloody Clashes: Port Trucking Associations Reach Peace Agreement

…We are not against LASTCOC, But Due Process Must be Followed—MWUN

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The various trucking associations and unions operating in the port system on Tuesday held a stakeholders meeting where all parties have agreed to foster permanent peace, following the frequent bloody clashes at the Tin Can Island Port.

DAILY TREND reports that there was mayhem at the Tin Can Port last week when truckers clashed with members of the Lagos State Cargo and Transport Committee (LASTCOC)

The peace meeting which was held at the headquarters of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) In Olodi Apapa Lagos at the instance of the Port Authority Police Commissioner, had in attendance, various trucking associations which formed; Nexus Association of Maritime Truck Operators (NAMTOP) as well as officials of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO)

Speaking at the meeting, President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju said the union has no grudges against LASTCOC carrying out its mandates, but that due process and rule of law must be followed because the port is a regulated area.

“The port is a regulated area, if you want to operate there, you must have a legitimate business, it is not a garage where you can use it for your selfish interest.

“It is good to have collaborations, that’s why today we have NARTO, NAMTOP and MWUN. I don’t want us to put our mind on the Lagos State for now, these three prominent bodies are the only collaboration that we have introduced to all stakeholders in the Port, we have the backing of the authorities

“Our Union is not against the Lagos State Committee (LASTCOC) but due process must be followed, we are not saying that we would not work with them, however the rule of law that established the port must be followed”

Comrade Adeyanju reminded the gathering that there is an existing Memorandum of Understanding among all the associations working at the port under the aegis of NAMTOP.

He assured that there is no crack whatsoever in the existing collaboration.

“We have responsible workers that can support this collaboration, so we don’t need any external forces from Ijora, Idi-Oro, Akala, Mushin to come and ferment trouble at the port

“This collaboration is born out of the need to protect the business of truck owners from constant extortion by security agencies on the port corridor. But our annoyance is now the incessant attacks at the port

“Two years ago, we lost four of our members as a result of this representative of Lagos State Government bringing external forces to attack the port

“The maritime workers union would be fully factored into this collaboration, I have appealed to all the dockworkers and our haulage unit that they should allow peace to reign. But if anyone tries to introduce hooliganism into the collaboration, we shall pullout” he said

Also speaking, Chief Remi Ogungbemi charged all the stakeholders to work towards permanent peace at the port. He also stressed the need to address the issue of a court injunction obtained by MWUN.

“Let us work towards a peace that would be permanent. I am appealing to everyone of us because there are issues to be addressed” he said

Also speaking, Otunba Leye Thompson noted that NAMTOP is now the unified body of all truckers at the port. According to him, nine well-known associations decided to come together to form NAMTOP. He informed that the body is dully registered.

“It is important that truckers and MWUN form a strong bond, without that bond, we cannot head anywhere” he said

On his part, Chairman of LASTCOC, Alhaji Lukman Shittu Zangalo agreed that “There is no need for us fighting ourselves because both the MWUN and the truckers, we are one. I am the Chairman of LASTCOC and I am also the chairman of NAMTOP, this is me wearing two caps.

“I believe that with LASTCOC and our own NAMTOP, with the support of our President General and the elders, everything would be resolved and we shall work together successfully” he said

Other stakeholders who spoke at the meeting included; Maroof Raheem BOT of NAMTOP, Alhaji Ishola Salami, representative of the Port Police Commissioner; Ojo Alex who is officer in charge of CP monitoring unit, among others