President of Anambra Tipper Drivers Association, Mr. Akaigwe Augustine has expressed readiness to collaborate with the government in tackling persistent harassment of tipper drivers.
Speaking during a meeting with the executives of the Tipper Drivers Union comprising 74 members at the Idemili North Secretariat, the President criticized the tendency of security agents to punish drivers rather than hold pit owners accountable.
“Our problems are too many. One of our members was arrested at a sandpit allegedly associated with gunmen. His truck has been impounded for four months, and we have made several attempts to secure it release with no success,” Augustine said
“Drivers go to load sand, and security agents descend on them instead of the pit owners, who often flee the scene. It is unfair and unjust,” he said.
In his remark, the Chairman of the Onitsha Tipper Drivers, Mr. Ebuka Unekwe also expressed concerns about the intimidation they face from a group known as “Ndi Aka Odo” at the Oba sandpit.
“They arrest our members arbitrarily even food vendors working near the pit are not spared. We supported Governor Chukwuma Soludo in the last election, and we are still willing to support him, but he must show us mercy and end the daily hardship we endure from both state and non-state actors.”Unekwe lamented.
In his address, Chairman of the Tipper Drivers Board of Trustees (BoT), Comrade Ogechukwu Ndozie, highlighted systemic issues facing members, calling on Mayor Nkwoka to help the union understand the government’s position and how to address their problems effectively.
“All government agencies treat us like we are not from Anambra. Keke and bus drivers have had their levies reduced, but we still pay heavily and also on every trip,” he said.
Ndozie urged the government to ease the burden on tipper drivers, especially regarding arbitrary arrests and the detention of vehicles.
“We commend the Governor’s good work, but we are suffering. The government agencies threaten our ability to work and take care of our families.” he stated.
The Chairman Idemili North Local Government Area, Chief Stanley Nkwoka while reacting, described tipper drivers as among the most peaceful and organized transport groups in Nigeria.
“We have made efforts to reduce drug use among our members. Today, Anambra tipper drivers are more disciplined and organized than ever before,” he said.
On the issue of extortion, the Mayor clarified that the majority of these activities are being perpetrated by non-state actors.
“Those collecting illegal fees from drivers are not agents of the government. They are self-appointed extortionists,” he explained.
The local government boss stated that the governor has never authorized such actions and had even instructed mayors not to collect money from drivers.
“No mayor in Anambra collects money from tipper drivers today. The only payments are official government levies,” Nkwoka stressed.
Nkwoka, a former tipper driver himself,
also addressed the issue of levies per trip, noting that if drivers wish to renegotiate them, they should formally approach the Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue.
“If we want change, we need to engage through proper channels,” he added.
