NPA chases COMTUA from port over collection of tolls

The management of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Lagos Port Complex (LPC) has stopped the officials of the Council of Maritime Truck Unions and Association (COMTUA) from collecting tolls from its members along the Port access roads.

The Port Manager, Mrs B.O. Olotu said this in circular pasted inside the complex and sighted by our correspondent.

Olotu who condemned the act stated that it could lead to increased traffic along the Port road as well as increasing the cost of cargo clearing in the port.

The National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) had written to the Authority intimating it of the collection of dues along the port access road.

The circular reads, “The concerns raised in the letter are noted especially the report that Council of Maritime Truck Unions and Associations were collecting membership dues on the port access roads. More so as it increased gridlock which all stakeholders are trying to eliminate.

“It is pertinent to inform you that the Nigerian Port Authority, Lagos Port Complex management had observed the collection of tolls by COMTUA members on the port access roads and had immediately dispatched both the Traffic Manager and the port Security Officer to locations where collections occurred and the union officials of COMTUA were stopped from toll collection on the port access roads.

“However, we advised COMTUA that they may consider toll collection at the various registered truck parks from where trucks are called to come to the port.

“The officials have been withdrawn since Wednesday 10th July, 2019.

“We want to assure you and all stakeholders that the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority will not condone any act that will inhibit free flow of traffic on the port access roads including the collection of any tools,” she said.