The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria ,MWUN, the National Association of Road Transport Owners ,NARTO, and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners ,AMATO, have suspended the planned three-day industrial action that threatened to disrupt port activities in Apapa.
Recall that the unions had on February 24, 2025 issued a notice of strike over exploitation by the Lagos State Committee on Removal of Abandoned Vehicles; the Special Traffic Management Committee and the Enforcement Team operating within the Apapa port corridor.
They accused the agencies of subjecting truck drivers to incessant harassment, bullying, and imposition of unregulated outrageous penalty charges while transporting goods through the Apapa and Tin Can port access roads.
However, in a joint statement released yesterday, MWUN, NARTO, and AMATO said the planned industrial action has been suspend following the interventions of the Lagos State Government and key maritime stakeholders.
In a statement signed by the Secretaries-General of the three unions: Adoga Ogbogo ,NARTO, Bala Muhammed ,AMATO, and Oniha Erazue ,MWUN, the unions commended Lagos State government and key stakeholders for their response.
The unions acknowledged the collaborative role played by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Ports Authority ,NPA, the Nigerian Shippers Council ,NSC, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other regulatory bodies in facilitating discussions toward resolving the crisis.
The unions said “We note and appreciate the timely response of the Lagos State Government for quickly sending out meeting invites to us in respect of this burning issue. We also appreciate the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Shippers Council, Nigeria Customs Service and other authorities who have joined hands with us to immediately commence dialogue with the Lagos State Government with a view to procuring lasting solution to our plight,”
