By Ebinum Samuel
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 on policies affecting port logistics and transportation.
The union, which secured its registration from the Registrar of Trade Unions on July 27, 2026, recently inaugurated its national officers in Lagos.
In his remarks at the ceremony, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, represented by the Director of Trade Union and Industrial Relations in the Ministry, Mr. 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 union comes 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 admonished the union’s leaders to familiarise themselves with the Trade Unions Act and their constitution, while ensuring that members are adequately informed about their rights and responsibilities.
He further warned the executives to strengthen membership, maintain proper records and ensure transparency in the management of union funds, adding that accounts must be properly kept and audited annually, while elections must be conducted in accordance with its constitution and established procedures.
Responding, the National President, Comrade Adeyemi Bamidele, said the emergence of the union marks a new chapter for wharf truck owners, whom he described as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime, transport and logistics value chain.
Bamidele noted that the movement of cargo from the nation’s ports depends significantly on an efficient road transportation network, stressing that delays in cargo evacuation, port congestion and inefficient logistics have direct consequences for businesses and the wider economy.
According to him, 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.
He said the union will 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 always consult the union when formulating policies affecting wharf trucking operations.
“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 must take into account the practical experience of operators, noting that challenges confronting truck owners affect businesses, livelihoods, families and the movement of goods across the country.
The union president pledged to build peaceful and constructive relationships with government agencies, port authorities, terminal operators, freight forwarders, shipping companies and other stakeholders in the maritime sector.
He also declared that the union would oppose injustice, touting and extortion in the sector, but would pursue members’ interests strictly within the ambit of the law.
“Our commitment to defending the interests of our members shall never be an excuse for lawlessness,” Bamidele said, adding that legitimate grievances must be addressed through dialogue and institutional engagement.
He urged members to reject division and personal rivalry, saying the strength of the union would depend on unity, discipline, accountability and effective organisation.
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 as a critical partner in the nation’s economy.
The newly inaugurated national officers are: Comrade Adeyemi Bamidele, National President; Yekini Olawale Rilwan, Deputy President; Alli Mohamed, Vice President; Prince Adeniji Olusola, 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.
Ex-Officio members are Aderoju Tobiloba, Afeez Olalekan and Agoro Salam
