The United Truck and Trailer Drivers Welfare Association (UTTDWA) has announced plans to stage a peaceful protest on 27 July over what it described as multiple roadside levies, harassment and alleged extortion of truck and trailer drivers along the Ogbere axis of Ogun East Senatorial District in Ogun State.

The association said it had submitted a formal notice of its intention to protest to the relevant authorities, adding that the action is aimed at drawing public and government attention to the challenges faced by its members.

Speaking through the Ogun State Chairman of the association, UTTDWA National President, Comrade Godfrey Omonfonhan, alleged that truck and trailer drivers operating along the Ogbere Federal Road have been subjected to repeated extortion, intimidation and harassment, creating significant financial and operational challenges for transport operators.

According to Omonfonhan, the situation has become a major threat to transportation businesses and has placed an additional burden on individuals engaged in legitimate commercial activities.

He said the planned protest followed unsuccessful attempts by the association to engage relevant authorities over the matter.

UTTDWA alleged that its members have experienced several forms of abuse, including demands for payments allegedly exceeding the amounts indicated on official receipts, unnecessary delays at checkpoints, threats and intimidation, the forceful removal of vehicle batteries, and the seizure or detention of drivers’ property.

The association argued that such practices are unacceptable, noting that truck and trailer operators play a critical role in the movement of food, agricultural produce and other essential commodities across Nigeria.

It also expressed concern over what it described as the growing multiplicity of charges imposed by different agencies, task forces and officials at various points along transport routes.

According to the association, the repeated demands for payments have increased operating costs for transporters while causing delays in the movement of goods.

UTTDWA called on the Federal Government and other relevant authorities to clarify the legal status of Produce Task Force tickets, vehicle emblems, stickers and other roadside revenue collections being demanded from truck operators.

The association urged government to clearly identify any legally authorised charges by specifying the enabling law, the agency empowered to collect such revenue, the approved rates and the official payment channels.

“We are not against legitimate taxation or lawful government revenue. We are against multiple taxation, unauthorised collections, harassment and the exploitation of hardworking drivers who contribute daily to the movement of food, agricultural products and essential commodities across Nigeria,” the association said.

UTTDWA appealed to the Federal Government, the Joint Tax Board, state and local governments, relevant ministries and agencies, as well as security organisations, to intervene and establish a transparent and coordinated revenue collection system for the road transport sector.

The association maintained that the planned demonstration would be peaceful, lawful and orderly, expressing hope that the protest would prompt urgent government intervention and dialogue with stakeholders to protect both government revenue interests and the rights and livelihoods of legitimate transport operators.