Nigerian trade and labour unions representing farmers, market vendors, freight operators and interstate transport workers have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to launch a national highway taskforce designed to curb illegal checkpoints and reduce multiple taxation as insecurity worsens across the country. The groups say these practices are disrupting supply chains, raising logistics costs and feeding into higher prices.
The unions, led by national president Osigbemeh Emmanuel and Sunday Olawoyin, made the appeal in a statement released on Tuesday. They argued that illegal checkpoints, layered charges and rising insecurity have become major barriers to the movement of goods and services, with knock-on effects for consumer costs.
In their response to the growing challenge, the unions warned that the spread of unlawful barriers, multiple taxation, extortion and insecurity along federal highways is weakening interstate trade. They said the result is a higher cost of transporting goods between states, which they link to worsening inflation nationwide.
While acknowledging recent reforms introduced by Tinubu’s administration, the unions said additional steps are needed to improve the ease of doing business. They also urged stronger efforts focused on road safety, better protection for legitimate enterprises and more reliable interstate transportation networks.
“The move, if implemented, will secure interstate commerce and eliminate illegal practices on federal highways,” the unions said, adding that targeted action could restore confidence for businesses operating across state lines.
The groups appealed to the presidency to issue a directive requiring state governments, state ministries, security agencies and revenue authorities to fully cooperate with the planned taskforce. They specifically cited Presidential Order No. 001 and other federal directives connected to interstate transportation implementation.
They closed by reiterating their support for government reforms. “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 unions stated.
