"My First Experience Picking Up A Car From Tincan Port, Lagos To Port Harcourt"

“My first experience picking up a car from Tincan Port Lagos to Port Harcourt”

The day started off with me picking up the car from Lagos Port. Thereafter, I proceeded to register it to avoid unnecessary interception from security personnels on the road ensuring all necessary documents were in check.

Knowing how the system functions, I was advised to keep some cash handy for some security personnels I’ll meet at various checkpoints. What I encountered on the road didn’t seem like extortions . In fact! One can say the police, army and every other security officers that are suppose to protect lives and properties of our dear country are the people robbing us.

How did we get here?
Nigeria security services have destroyed this country!
There were about 23 check points all filled with police ,army and customs on the high way. Each had a particular amount stipulated to be paid.
I met like 9 custom officers checking for duty papers. Each asked for a “1k non-negotiable fee” as that was a standard for them. Then the army took 200 naira at each check point.

The police are the worst!
These guys are hardened criminals disguised in uniforms to operate legally on the road. They have no mercy. I spent 2-5k each at checkpoints.
I ran out of luck as I approached Benin where the bigger problem started.

I got to a checkpoint and was told my car is tinted and the registered plate number didn’t reflect on their system. I was taken to their station and asked to pay the sum of 100k. I looked at heaven, left and right for help but none came. I started negotiating the extortion, and we ended up at 40k. After paying I was allowed to leave and so I continued my journey hoping this time the extortions were over.

As God answered my prayers, I didn’t meet any Custom officer from Benin to Port Harcourt just police check points.
In total, I spent 98k on extortions and it saddens me. The questions that still lingers in my head is “why Port Harcourt and Warri Ports are still not functioning till date”?
Why do our Politicians Politicize everything in this country?
If not politics, tell me why the Ports in the South are not operating?
There are lots of readjustments to be made especially where citizens in my country have accepted extortion as norm.
We need to do better!

God bless!!