The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners in the South-West zone has voiced its growing concerns about the deteriorating state of roads and escalating insecurity, appealing to governors and the Federal Controller of Works for immediate intervention.

The association also lamented multiple taxations by government agencies.

During the inauguration of newly elected members, the NARTO Zonal Chairman, Alhaji Bola Ogunyele, highlighted the pressing issues faced by transport owners and their impact on business operations.

Ogunyele lamented the difficulties faced by NARTO members while trying to address road-related issues with state governments.

According to him, in the past, they would contact the federal comptroller of works in the respective states, who would then engage with the state government on their behalf.

However, recent interactions with the governors have left NARTO members disheartened and unheard, he said.

Ogunyele, “We don’t know what is happening anymore. When you book an appointment with these governors, they don’t even care. They don’t want to hear about us.”

Ogunyele also appealed to the governors and other stakeholders to address pressing issues such as extortion, multiple taxation, and the presence of area boys (street urchins) in states like Lagos and Oyo.

He said, “Permit me to commend all the governors in the South-West zone, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, for working harmoniously with our members in their various states.

“I want to appeal generally that the issue of extortion, double taxation and area boys should be carefully checked in the states like Lagos and Oyo. They should also fix bad roads in the zone.

“If you buy a truck for about N50m, someone will just stay somewhere and start extorting money from you. How can you make a profit? So, we want to appeal to the governors in the South-West to please help us address the issue of insecurity.”

Despite the challenges, however, Ogunleye expressed confidence in the support of NARTO headquarters and the Federal Government, pledging that the newly elected members would remain focused and resolute in their efforts.

“The task before the zone is enormous as it takes time for a sustained injury to be healed as a result of the current economic predicament due to subsidy removal, but with the support of NARTO headquarters and the Federal Government, we shall not fail and remain focused,” he stated.