Commercial Drivers In Lagos Reveal Reasons For Seven-Day Strike

The Joint Drivers’ Welfare Association of Nigeria has disclosed the reason behind its seven-day strike after being unable to reach an agreement with the state government.

The association revealed through its lawyer Ayo Ademiluyi that it had been subjected to indiscriminate extortion and violent harassment by the management of parks and garages in the state.

It also cited the cost of transportation and "excessive and illegal ticketing and tolling at almost every bus stop” as reasons for the industrial action.

“As commercial drivers in Lagos State under the aegis of JDWAN, we are left with no choice but to embark on seven days of protest and boycott of services over multiple and excessive extortions by the management of parks and garages in the state.

“We have notified members of the public and the Lagos State Government over multiple and excessive extortions by the motor parks and garages management.

“The cost of transportation affects the cost of goods and services and consequently the cost of living, which has spiralled astronomically in Lagos State as a result of the effect of motor parks' excessive and illegal ticketing and tolling at almost every bus stop", it said in a statement.

“No to charging drivers three passengers money after loading in parks or garages; we kick against paying motor park thugs at every bus stop; harassment of law enforcement agencies & intimidation with guns, cutlasses, broken bottles by LASTMA, task force and RRS must end immediately; we demand that the Lagos State Government should provide official bus stops in each community to avoid incessant arrests and stress for commuters who complain of having to trek several kilometres back to their bus stops”, it added.