By Godwin Oritse
The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has condemned the alleged assault, molestation and dehumanising treatment of a Nigerian truck driver, Mr. Rilwan Olajide, and his motor boy, Mr. Taiwo Yinusa, at the premises of Karma Agric Feed & Foods Ltd, located at Km 12, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, opposite the old Ratcoc Quarry, over the weekend.
According to information, photographs and video evidence made available to the association, showed that the two transport workers were allegedly physically assaulted and intimidated by Indian nationals, with the alleged involvement of company staff and security personnel, following a disagreement over their demand for demurrage compensation.
AMATO described the incident as a serious violation of human dignity that requires urgent police investigation, stressing that no commercial dispute could justify violence, intimidation or degrading treatment of workers.
The association maintained that disagreements over demurrage payments must be resolved through lawful and peaceful means rather than force or abuse. It urged relevant authorities to investigate the incident, establish the facts and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
Citing Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, AMATO noted that every person is entitled to respect for the dignity of their person, while torture and inhuman or degrading treatment are prohibited.
The association stressed that the constitutional guarantee applies to everyone within Nigeria, irrespective of nationality, occupation or social status, adding that Nigerian transport workers deserve protection from assault, intimidation and other forms of abuse in the course of their legitimate duties.
In a statement by Mr. Sani Mohammed, National Secretary General Association of Maritime Truck Owners, the group considers it unacceptable for any individual or corporate establishment to act as though Nigerian laws do not apply to them. Foreign nationals and corporate organisations operating in Nigeria are equally bound to respect the country’s laws and the fundamental rights of its citizens.
Part of the statrment reads:”The Association unequivocally condemns all forms of racial discrimination, xenophobic hostility, intimidation and unlawful violence against Nigerian maritime truck operators. We will not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or dehumanise our members and other transport workers in the course of their legitimate duties.
“Consequently, AMATO calls on the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Alagbon, and the relevant investigative authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, identify all persons involved, preserve available evidence and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law.
“We further urge the management of Karma Agric Feed & Foods Ltd to cooperate fully with the investigation and take appropriate steps to prevent any recurrence of such an incident.
“AMATO emphasises that this position is directed at the reported conduct of the individuals involved and not at Indian nationals or any other nationality as a whole. Our demand is for justice, accountability, equal protection under the law and respect for the dignity of every Nigerian worker.
“The Association remains committed to protecting the welfare, safety and legitimate interests of maritime truck owners, drivers and motor boys who contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy and supply chains.”
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