LAGOS — A new trade union, the Amalgamated Union of Wharf Truck Owners of Nigeria, has been formally inaugurated with a pledge to unite operators in the sector and provide a collective voice in policies affecting port logistics and transportation.
The union, which secured registration from the Registrar-General of Trade Unions on July 27, 2026, inaugurated its national officers yesterday in Lagos.
Speaking at the ceremony, the National President, Comrade Adeyemi Bamidele, said the emergence of the union marked a new chapter for wharf truck owners, who he described as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime, transport and logistics sectors.
Bamidele said the movement of cargo from the nation’s ports depended significantly on efficient road transportation, stressing that delays in cargo evacuation, port congestion and inefficient logistics had direct consequences for businesses and the wider economy.
He said the union was established to provide a legitimate platform for organising and representing wharf truck owners, particularly those involved in the transportation of crude oil, raw materials and allied products.
According to him, the union would promote professionalism, discipline and improved operating conditions while advocating the lawful interests and welfare of its members.
Bamidele called on the Federal Government and relevant agencies to consult the union when formulating policies affecting wharf trucking.
“We seek partnership. We seek consultation. We seek fairness. We seek an efficient and transparent operating environment,” he said.
He added that policies affecting the sector should take into account the practical experience of operators, noting that challenges confronting truck owners affected businesses, livelihoods, families and the movement of goods.
The union president pledged to establish peaceful relationships with government agencies, port authorities, terminal operators, freight forwarders, shipping companies and other stakeholders.
He also declared that the union would oppose injustice, touting and extortion in the sector.
However, Bamidele said the union would pursue members’ interests within the law, stressing that legitimate grievances must be addressed through dialogue and institutional engagement.
“Our commitment to defending the interests of our members shall never be an excuse for lawlessness,” he said.
He called on members to reject division and personal rivalry, saying the strength of the union would depend on unity, discipline, accountability and effective organisation.
Also speaking, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, represented by the Director of Trade Union and Industrial Relations in the ministry, Amos Falonipe, charged the new union to operate as a partner in progress and shun confrontation with government and employers.
Dingyadi said the registration of the body came with responsibilities, urging its leadership to resolve disagreements through dialogue.
“We are not registered to fight anybody. We are not registered to fight our stakeholders. We are registered to work together as partners in progress,” he said.
The minister urged the union’s leaders to familiarise themselves with the Trade Unions Act and their constitution, while ensuring that members were adequately informed about their rights and responsibilities.
He also charged the executives to strengthen membership, maintain proper records and ensure transparency in the management of union funds.
Dingyadi directed that the union’s accounts be properly kept and audited annually, while elections must be conducted in accordance with its constitution and established procedures.
The newly inaugurated officers include Bamidele as National President; Yekeen Olawale Rilwan, Deputy President; Alli Mohamed, Vice President; Prince Adeniji Olisola, General Secretary; Gbadebo Michael, Assistant General Secretary; Alhaji Awolola Saheed, Treasurer; Lawal Shina, Financial Secretary; Okelola Omogbolahan John, Publicity Secretary/Public Relations Officer; Olowokere Muyudeen, Welfare Officer; and Adeshina Saheed, Organising Secretary.
The Ex-Officio members are Aderoju Tobiloba, Afeez Olalekan and Agoro Salam.
Bamidele said the union would focus on building a strong membership base and an accountable leadership structure capable of earning the confidence of government, employers and other stakeholders.
