Insecurity: Tinubu told to inaugurate taskforce against illegal checkpoints, multiple taxation

Nigerian trade and labour unions comprising agricultural producers, market traders, haulage and interstate transport have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to inaugurate a national highway taskforce against illegal checkpoints and multiple taxation amid the rise in insecurity across the country.

The national president, Osigbemeh Emmanuel and Sunday Olawoyin made this demand in a statement on Tuesday.

DAILY POST reports that multiple taxation, illegal checkpoints and insecurity have been major obstacles to the movement of goods and services in Nigeria, impacting negatively on pricing.

Reacting to the challenge, the trade unions warned that the continued proliferation of illegal checkpoints, multiple taxation, extortion and insecurity on federal highways is undermining interstate commerce, driving up the cost of transportation and worsening inflation across the country.

While acknowledging recent reforms by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, they stressed that the administration needs to do more aimed at improving the ease of doing business, strengthening road safety, protecting legitimate businesses and enhancing interstate transportation.

“The move, if implemented, will secure interstate commerce and eliminate illegal practices on federal highways.”

The unions appealed to the presidency to issue a directive compelling all state governments, state ministries, security outfits and revenue agencies to cooperate fully with the task force in implementing Presidential Order No. 001 and other Federal Government directives relating to interstate transportation.

“We remain committed partners in advancing the Ease of Doing Business initiative and in supporting policies that promote seamless interstate movement of goods and services across the Federation,” the labour unions stated.

Insecurity: Tinubu told to inaugurate taskforce against illegal checkpoints, multiple taxation