The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has formally rejected the compulsory imposition of union tickets and levies on drivers who are not members of some other transport unions, insisting that such practices violate Nigerian law and the Constitution.
In a statement issued by its Secretary, Bala Mohammed, AMATO pointed to the Trade Union (Amendment) Act 2005, which recognises the voluntary nature of trade union membership.
The association emphasised that no employee should be forced to join a trade union or be victimised for refusing to join or remain a member.
AMATO specifically addressed the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). It stated that where drivers are not members of either body, there is no lawful basis for compelling them to pay union dues, purchase union tickets, or submit to any related levies merely because they operate in the transport sector.
The statement further invoked Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. This right, AMATO noted, includes the freedom of citizens to form or belong to associations — including trade unions — of their own choice in order to protect their legitimate personal, economic and professional interests.
“Accordingly, no association should interfere with or unlawfully restrict the right of our drivers and transport operators to belong to an association of their choice,” the statement declared. “The imposition of tickets or levies by RTEAN or NURTW on persons who are not their members should therefore be discontinued where such imposition lacks a valid statutory or other lawful basis.”
AMATO’s position underscores its demand that membership and financial contributions to transport unions remain strictly voluntary and grounded in clear legal authority.
He stated that “NURTW/RTEAN are harassing and extorting our members at Kirikiri, abule osun, agboju, iyana iba, amuwo, Ikorodu and other of our logistics routes in Lagos State. We are drawing the attention of Lagos State Government, the Police, DSS and other security agencies to the unlawful violent activities of NURTW and RTEAN against our members to avoid confrontation that might affect public peace in Lagos State.”
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