Many passengers stranded over Lagos bus drivers’ strike

From Abdullateef Aliyu & Eugene Agha, Lagos 

Many passengers were stranded on Monday in Lagos following the withdrawal of services in some parts of the state by commercial bus drivers. 

The drivers under the aegis of the Joint Drivers Welfare Association of Nigeria (JDWAN) had declared a seven-day strike, which started on Monday alleging multiple charges and extortion by motor park touts. 

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They had earlier planned a protest at the state secretariat, Alausa, which was later called off. 

But Daily Trust reports that the withdrawal of services took effect in some parts of the state. 

Our correspondent learnt that the areas affected mostly were Ikoko Maiko, Mile 2, Badagry Expressway, Ikotun, Iyana Iba and some interstate routes. 

Many passengers were seen at major bus stops across the state were stranded as early as Monday morning. 

Our correspondent reports however that bus drivers still operated along the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway. 

The bus drivers had given four demands to the government including the disbandment of illegal checkpoints, abolition of multiple levies, among others.

Meanwhile, the state government said it was looking into the demands of the bus drivers with a view to finding permanent solutions to the issues raised by the association. 

 The move, it said, became necessary following the planned seven-day job boycott by the drivers over alleged “Harassment and extortion by motor parks and garages management”. 

 Special Adviser on Transport, Sola Giwa in a statement said, “Sequel to the announcement by JDWAN to embark on a seven-day strike starting from 31st October 2022, the Ministry of Transportation invited its leadership to a meeting on Friday 28th October 2022, despite its non-affiliation to any of the transport unions known by the state government, i.e NURTW and RTEAN. 

 “Most of the union members at the meeting were from the Badagry axis and it was resolved that the meeting be adjourned till Wednesday, 2nd November 2022 to have a larger house (the Unions inclusive) and resolve the matter amicably.

“The outcome of the 2nd November 2022 Meeting will be made known to the public. 

The state government urges drivers to continue their daily routine without fear of molestation and intimidation as security agencies have been directed to maintain law and order. 

“Those who are taking advantage of the situation to raise fares are warned to desist from doing so or face the consequences of their illegal actions.”