Daud Olatunji
The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Ogun State Chapter, has raised concerns over the persistent harassment and extortion of cashew merchants along state roads, threatening their livelihood and economic contributions.
Consultant for Special Duties at NCAN,Hon. Taiwo Akinlabi, disclosed this on Monday at a press briefing held in Abeokuta.
He highlighted the pivotal role of cashew production in driving economic growth, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings in Nigeria.
Akinlabi lamented that despite these contributions, cashew merchants face numerous challenges, including fluctuating international market prices, climate change affecting yields, and inadequate quality control measures.
“However, the most alarming issue plaguing our operations is the rampant extortion and harassment faced by our members during transportation,” Akinlabi emphasized.
He detailed the staggering number of checkpoints and roadblocks along key routes like the Ilara-Imeko-Obada-Olorunda-Ayetoro-Abeokuta Rounder road, where merchants encounter multiple demands for illegal levies.
“On average, a truck transporting cashew can be forced to pay between 10,000 and 50,000 naira at each checkpoint,” Akinlabi disclosed, illustrating how these unauthorized fees cumulatively reach exorbitant amounts.
“These extortions,” he continued, “are perpetrated not only by uniformed personnel such as the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Customs Service, and Nigerian Army’s 35 Artillery Brigade but also by non-uniformed individuals, including local task forces and community associations.”
Akinlabi stressed that such practices not only inflate transportation costs but also jeopardize timely deliveries and operational schedules, posing safety risks to drivers traveling during odd hours to meet demands.
In response to these challenges, NCAN appealed for immediate intervention from key stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and heads of relevant federal and state agencies.
“We implore the Inspector General of Police, State Commissioner of Police, and other authorities to halt this extortion racket,” Akinlabi urged, emphasizing the need for a conducive environment that supports unhindered cashew trade across Nigeria.
Akinlabi reiterated NCAN’s commitment to national development through sustainable agricultural practices and called for swift action to curb extortion practices threatening the viability of cashew businesses in Ogun State.
“We cannot allow our efforts in agriculture to be derailed by illicit activities on our roads,” Akinlabi said
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