A coalition of Nigerian trade and labor unions, representing market traders, agricultural producers, and transport workers, has formally requested that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu launch a national highway taskforce. This body would be tasked with eliminating illegal checkpoints and unauthorized multiple taxation that currently plague the nation’s roads, particularly as insecurity continues to climb.
In a Tuesday statement, organization leaders Osigbemeh Emmanuel and Sunday Olawoyin argued that these road hazards severely hinder the flow of goods and services. They noted that extortion and excessive fees on federal highways are significant drivers of inflation, which in turn raises the cost of transportation and stifles commerce between states.
The unions expressed support for the current government’s reform agenda but noted that further action is necessary to protect businesses and improve road safety. They believe that a dedicated taskforce would secure logistics routes and ensure fair trade practices. To ensure effectiveness, the unions are calling on the presidency to mandate cooperation from state governments, security services, and revenue agencies to enforce existing federal directives regarding interstate transit.
