Petroleum tanker drivers are decrying the persistent harassment and extortion they face at the hands of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), allegedly acting under the directives of the Lagos State Commissioner of Transport and the Special Adviser on Transport, Sola Giwa.
Their outcry follows a dramatic and forceful clampdown on tanker drivers in the Ibeju-Lekki area, reportedly carried out by LASTMA officials, the Lagos State Task Force, and unidentified thugs allegedly working in collaboration with these agencies.
According to the affected drivers, the operation took place in the early hours of Saturday, February 22, 2025. They claim that LASTMA officials, accompanied by police officers and thugs, stormed the area, forcibly removed them from their trucks, and towed away their vehicles.
One of the drivers shared his ordeal: “When we tried to explain that we were not obstructing the road but were parked in a single lane due to safety regulations mandated by our union, they refused to listen. Instead, they resorted to violence, shooting into the air, firing teargas directly at us, and even arresting some of our colleagues.”
The drivers also alleged that the state officials placed non-tanker drivers in charge of operating their loaded trucks in the dead of night, a reckless action that could have resulted in catastrophic accidents.
They expressed their frustration over what they perceive as undue hostility from the Lagos State Government and its agencies. “We pay our taxes, obtain all necessary vehicle documents, and fulfill our obligations as law-abiding citizens of Nigeria. Why, then, is the Lagos State Government making our work so difficult?” one driver asked.
Calling for urgent intervention, the drivers appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the leadership of PTD-NUPENG to put an end to the recurrent clampdowns by the state transport authorities.
They also questioned what contributions the Lagos State Government has made to support the vital infrastructure in the area, particularly the seaport, refinery, and depots. “What extra roads have they built? Where is the trailer park they promised? What facilities have they provided to ease the struggles of citizens and workers in this community?” another driver queried.
The road network in the area remains a major concern. “Any vehicle traveling from Eleko to the refinery must turn back to Eleko to exit. There is no alternative link road. God forbid there is a serious blockage, there will be no escape route for anyone. Instead of solving this infrastructural problem, the Commissioner of Transport and Sola Giwa are focused on towing petroleum tanker trucks and imposing the E-Call Up system for their financial gain.”
One driver claimed he had received reliable information that the Aliko Group had proposed building a 10,000-truck capacity park to support the refinery. However, the Lagos State Government allegedly discouraged the initiative, promising instead to build a trailer park themselves. “Where is that park today?” he demanded.
Instead of fulfilling their promise, the authorities allegedly collaborated with a private consultant to introduce a questionable E-Call Up system, which requires each truck to pay N12,500 per loading. The drivers believe this is a scheme designed for officials to enrich themselves. “At this rate, they will soon demand N50,000 from each petroleum tanker before allowing access to the refinery and depots in Lagos State.”
The drivers insist that they can no longer tolerate the relentless extortion and intimidation. “We are not criminals. Why are they attacking us at midnight? What is LASTMA doing on the roads at 2 a.m.?” one driver asked.
They urged the authorities to intervene and put an end to what they described as the unjust victimization of petroleum tanker drivers by Lagos State officials. “We need urgent intervention to rescue us from the hands of these ruthless operatives. We deserve to work in peace, without fear of harassment, humiliation, and financial exploitation,” they concluded.
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