The Courier and Logistics Services Staff Association of Nigeria (CALSSAN) has expressed concerns over the challenges facing the courier and logistics industry, citing rising fuel prices, multiple taxation, poor roads, and unstable electricity as major threats. These challenges, according to the union, are undermining the welfare of workers and threatening the smooth operation of businesses in the sector. CALSSAN urged the Federal Government to create a more conducive environment for the industry to thrive.
The union's concerns were raised at its first Quadrennial Delegates Conference, where CALSSAN National President, Festus Oluwatuyi, emphasized the need for a friendlier operating environment. He stated that the courier and logistics industry required a conducive environment to contribute effectively to economic growth. Oluwatuyi highlighted the importance of safety and welfare for workers, saying that a stable and secure working environment was essential for the growth of the industry.
Oluwatuyi disclosed that the union had been engaging with the Lagos State Government over the issue of double taxation of courier and logistics workers. He also mentioned that harassment and alleged unprofessional conduct by some government agents were affecting workers in the sector. The union had petitioned the Lagos State Government and other security authorities to address these issues and ensure a safe working environment for its members.
The rising cost of fuel has significantly increased operating expenses for courier and logistics companies, while multiple taxes and levies continue to create additional burdens for operators and workers. CALSSAN General Secretary, Emeka Cyril Ekeh, emphasized that improved welfare and working conditions for both workers and employers were essential to the sustainable development of the sector. He stated that better working conditions would lead to healthier and more productive workers.
CALSSAN has written to the Honourable Minister of Trade and Investment, the supervising ministry in charge of courier and logistics, on the impact of rising fuel prices on the industry. The union is seeking a more conducive environment for its members to operate, free from irregular obstacles and harassment. Ekeh stressed that workers' welfare was crucial to eliminating industrial disharmony and promoting sustainable growth in the sector.
The union's concerns are not limited to Lagos State, as double taxation and harassment are nationwide issues affecting the smooth operation of courier and logistics services. CALSSAN is seeking a national solution to these problems, which it believes will enable its members to operate more efficiently and contribute to economic growth. The union is also calling on the Federal Government to address the rising cost of fuel, which it sees as a major threat to the sustainability of courier and logistics operations.
The courier and logistics industry in Nigeria plays a vital role in the country's economy, and CALSSAN believes that a conducive environment is necessary for its growth and development. The union is advocating for a collaborative approach between government, employers, and workers to address the challenges facing the industry and promote sustainable growth. By working together, CALSSAN believes that the industry can overcome its challenges and contribute to Nigeria's economic development.
Key points
- The Courier and Logistics Services Staff Association of Nigeria (CALSSAN) has raised concerns over the impact of rising fuel prices, multiple taxation, poor roads, and unstable electricity on the courier and logistics industry.
- The union is seeking a more conducive environment for its members to operate, free from irregular obstacles and harassment.
- CALSSAN has written to the Honourable Minister of Trade and Investment to address the impact of rising fuel prices on the industry.
