Port access roads deserted as dry cargo drivers withdraw trucks.

Port access roads deserted as mixed reactions trail the withdrawal of services by drivers of dry cargo trucks from the Lagos seaports.

Our Correspondent who monitored the proceedings from Tincan to Apapa reports that no truck was seen along the road even as loaded trucks from the terminals could not come out.

Also, as a result of the protest held at the Coconut axis of the road yesterday, combined military and police operatives were deployed to man the roads to forestall uprising even as passers-by had to raise their hands while passing through the corridor.

However, the withdrawal of service by truck drivers which entered its second day on Tuesday was carried out to express dissatisfaction over alleged maltreatment and extortion by naval officers and other security agents.

Speaking with stakeholders on the development, while some lauded the strike, others lamented over the ripple effect the strike would have on the economy.

Speaking on the strike, Haruna Omolajomo, Executive Secretary of Association of Bonded Terminal Operators of Nigeria (ABTON) welcomed the strike saying that other industry players were supposed to be part of the strike action.

He however added that the action did not have negative effect on their operations saying bonded terminals have been operating fewer than 3% under-utilisation.

“I commend the truckers for the strike; it is what all stakeholders are supposed to join. We are in support of what they are doing. They are the only people that can hold government to ransom. The only language understood by the government is strike.

“The government should listen to them and meet their demands. The resolution should be carried out to the letters,” he admonished.

Also speaking, David Pius, port activist said the move was good but maintained that clearing agents were caught unaware as they were not informed ahead of the strike.

Pius stated that the action would lead to accumulation of demurrage in the port hence terminal operators and shipping companies would smile to the banks.

“It was not in understanding with agents and importers, it came suddenly to them and demurrage is accumulating. Importees will like the pressure on the agents who have been paid to clear the cargoes.

“Terminal Operators and Shipping Companies will now be smiling to the banks as a result of demurrage accumulation.

“There are enough reasons for them to go on strike. They have made several attempts to reach the government over the issue but without success.

“The government should look at the Industry and salvage it from the infrastructural rots and inconsistent policies,” he admonished.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) however said the strike did not affect its operations and revenue generation drive.

The Customs Public Relations Officer of the Tincan chapter, Uche Ejesieme said that the strike action had no negative impact on the revenue collection of the Command.