<< Back             Poser >> Truckers warn Lagos extortion crippling port logistics, petition Presidency Business By Godwin Oritse The Council of Maritime Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA), owners of articulated trucks on Nigerian roads, has petitioned President Bola Tinubu over what it described as the failure of the Lagos State government to protect truckers and other road users from widespread extortion, harassment and intimidation by organized street urchins. In a petition dated January 13, 2026, and signed by its President, Comrade Yinka Aroyewun, the union said the situation has deteriorated into frequent vandalism of trucks, serious injuries to drivers and, in some cases, loss of lives. COMTUA accused the Lagos State government of failing to respond meaningfully to repeated petitions, complaints and peaceful protests over the activities of extortionists operating along major transport corridors in the State. The union alleged that members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) routinely force non-members to pay arbitrary levies in the name of union dues, while another group operating under the Lagos State Trucks and Cargo Committee (LASTCOC), said to have been set up by the Ministry of Transportation, also imposes what it called a “voluntary” ticket on every truck. COMTUA further claimed that in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, hoodlums allegedly operating in the name of the Council extort truckers using a “Road Maintenance” ticket, while similar activities occur in other parts of the State. “At Eleko Junction in Ibeju-Lekki, a combined group of LASTCOC and community youths allegedly extort N6,000 from each truck, while in Epe, RTEAN and community groups collect another N5,000 daily from every truck,” the petition stated. The union said roadblocks are mounted across key routes to facilitate these collections, while state task forces and government agencies allegedly look the other way. COMTUA warned that the situation, if not urgently addressed, could escalate into a wider breakdown of security and public order, with serious consequences for port operations, supply chains and the Lagos economy. The group urged President Tinubu to investigate the role of the Lagos State government in the alleged extortion and attacks, restore the rights and protection of truckers, ensure accountability for those involved, and regulate union-related levies to prevent exploitation. While reaffirming its commitment to peaceful engagement and lawful dialogue, the union cautioned that continued inaction could push the situation toward chaos, threatening both economic stability and public safety in Lagos State. Vanguard	Naira depreciates to N1,362/$ in parallel market The Naira yesterday depreciated to N1,362 per dollar from N1,357 in the parallel market on Monday. West Africa must modernise agriculture for food security – Experts Experts have called for the urgent modernisation of agriculture across West Africa, stressing the need to move beyond increased production and focus on transforming agricultural value chains to ensure food security and improved nutrition amid growing climate and population pressures. Climate change threatens Nigeria’s food systems as farmers count losses ….experts call for urgent, sustainable measures to mitigate impacts By Gabriel Ewepu ABUJA — Nigeria’s food system is facing growing threats from climate change as erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, flooding, rising temperatures, pests and diseases disrupt farming activities, slash yields and leave farmers counting losses running into billions of Naira. The situation, according to […] World Bank: Fuel price to slow Nigeria’s poverty reduction •Says rising pre-election spending may derail reforms •Raises Nigeria’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.3% •Projects 15.7% inflation rate for 2026 •44% of firms in Nigeria, Kenya adopt AI, power constraints threaten gains By Babajide Komolafe, Economy Editor The World Bank has warned that elevated fuel prices could slow Nigeria’s poverty reduction efforts despite an expected […] Government releases GH¢9.1b covering six quarters of DACF to MMDAs – Ayariga Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has announced government's release of GH¢9.1 billion, covering six quarters of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) nationwide. Cedi was worst African currency in quarter 2, 2026 – World Bank According to the World Bank, the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East initially exerted broad-based pressure on African currencies.