The United Truck and Trailer Drivers Welfare Association (UTTDWA) has announced its readiness to embark on a peaceful protest against the alleged imposition of multiple roadside levies, harassment, intimidation and extortion of truck and trailer drivers operating around the Ogbere axis of Ogun East, Ogun State to the general public.
The peaceful protest is scheduled to take place on 27 July 2026, in accordance with a formal notice of intention to protes, submitted to the relevant authoritie, and made available to the press.
Speaking through the Ogun State Chairman of the Association, the National President of UTTDWA, Godfrey Omonfomhan said the alleged extortion and harassment of truck and trailer drivers had become a nightmare and a serious threat to transportation businesses, placing an additional burden on individuals engaged in legitimate economic activities in the state, particularly at Ogbere Federal Road.
According to the Association, the decision to embark on the peaceful protest became necessary after several efforts to draw the attention of relevant authorities to the situation allegedly failed to produce the development results.
UTTDWA alleged that several incidents involving its members had been recorded, including demands for charges allegedly higher than the amounts printed on receipts presented to drivers, undue delays in the movement of vehicles, threats and harassment, alleged forceful removal of vehicle batteries, and the alleged illegal detention or seizure of drivers’ property.
Speaki g with Journalists, the President of the Association described such practices as unacceptable and an increasing burden on its members, stressing that truck and trailer drivers are essential to the movement of food, agricultural produc, and other vital commodities across Nigeria.
UTTDWA said the planned peaceful protest is intended to draw the urgent attention of the Federal Government and concerns authorities to the challenges facing its members, whose livelihoods depend largely on the uninterrupted and lawful movement of goods across the country.
The Association said the peaceful action has become necessary following growing concerns among its members over the multiplicity of charges and collections allegedly imposed on drivers at different locations, with questions surrounding the legal authority and government approval behind some of these roadside collections.
According to UTTDWA, truck and trailer drivers are increasingly subjected to repeated demands for payment by different agencies, task forces, and officials. The Association said this creates unnecessary financial pressure on drivers and transport operators while also contributing to delays in the movement of goods.
The Association is therefore calling on the relevant authorities to provide clear and unambiguous clarification on the legal status of Produce Taskforce tickets, vehicle emblems, stickers and other roadside revenue collections being demanded from truck and trailer operators.
According to UTTDWA, where any charge is legally authorised, the government should clearly identify the law establishing the charge, the agency legally empowered to collect it, the approved amount and the official channel through which payment should be made and not attacks method without proper stakeholders constitutions.
The Association stressed that it is no longer acceptable for drivers to be subjected to multiple and sometimes conflicting demands for payment while transporting goods that are essential to the Nigerian economy.
“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,” UTTDWA stated.
The Association called on the Federal Government, the Joint Tax Board, state governments, local government authorities, relevant ministries and agencies, and security formations to urgently intervene and bring clarity, coordination and order to revenue collection affecting the road transport sector.
The Association warned that the continued financial burden placed on truck and trailer operators unchecked
UTTDWA reaffirmed that its planned protest is intended to be peaceful, lawfu, and orderl and is aimed at drawing the attention of the appropriate authorities to the grievances of its members and seeking urgent government intervention.
The Association appealed to all relevant authorities to treat the matter with the urgency it deserves and work with stakeholders in the road transport sector to establish a transparent, lawful, and coordinated system of revenue collection.
that protects both government interests and the rights and livelihoods of legitimate transport operators.
