Importers, clearing agents and truck drivers have accused some of the security agents operating around the Lagos Port Complex and Tin-Can Island port of collecting bribes from them.
It was gathered that the operatives, extorted the importers, clearing agents and truck drivers because of the perennial gridlock in Apapa.
At a special joint meeting with the senior officials of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) a few weeks ago, it was gathered that the leadership of the truck drivers accused the security agents of extorting them, urging NPA to finding a lasting solution to the problem.
The truck drivers complained to the NPA of how the security agents forced them to pay as much as N3,500 to move their containers and other cargo laden trucks out of Apapa.
The truck drivers, investigation revealed, had serious problem with some of the security agents last year, when they were asked to pay as much as N5000 on each fertiliser-laden containers.
The drivers were only allowed to move out of the port after a swift intervention by the Lagos Port police command.
NPA, has inaugurated a standing committee consisting all transport unions and independent fleet owners including the police to stem the activities of the security agents and reduce corruption.
General Manager, Western Ports, Michael Ajayi confirmed the meeting where the truck drivers complained of massive extortion outside the ports..
He said, a standing intervention committee meant to check the alleged cases of extortion on truck drivers by security operatives at the Port entrances in Lagos has been constituted by the Management of NPA to address the fears of truckers union on the alleged cases of extortion along port access roads within the Lagos ports corridor.
