Lagos commuters groan as commercial drivers withdraw buses

IBRAHIM QUADRI

Many commuters were on Monday stranded in Lagos State as a result of the seven days warning strike embarked upon by Joint Drivers Welfare Association of Nigeria (JDWAN).

With this ugly scenario, the few commercial drivers who were on the roads increased the transport fares exorbitantly taking advantage of the situation.

Daily Champion had earlier reported that commercial drivers in Lagos State under the aegis of JDWAN threatened to embark on seven days of protest and boycott of services across the state over multiple and excessive extortions by the management of parks and garages in the state

In a statement issued on Sunday, signed by its National Leader, Akintade Abiodun, the Association lamented payment of illegal fees and collection of high levies from their members by government officials, which they said had increased the cost of living in Lagos.

The statement partly reads, “This is to notify 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.”

Findings showed that along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, a trip from First Gate bus stop to Orile, that used to go for ₦150, the mini buses drivers charged ₦250. From Mile 2 to Ketu/Mile 12 went up as high as ₦500 from ₦400.

From Ijaiye to Oshodi which was originally N400 was increased to N700 while those going to Agege paid N400 instead of N200.

Many residents of Coker Aguda, Surulere were also stranded due to strike by commercial bus drivers.

However, some residents resorted to fate by trekking long distances to get to their destinations.

Similar situation played out between Lagos and Ogun States via the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as drivers charged ₦800 for any bus stop from Berger Bus stop.

Also in this axis the scarcity of buses and price hike resulted in stranded commuters.

In Ijaiye and Abule Egba bus stops in Ijaiye-Ojokoro as well as Council and College axes of the Ijaiye-Ojokoro and Alimosho local government areas were flooded with stranded commuters waiting for buses to convey them to their various workplaces.

Meanwhile, the State Government was to look into the demands of the Joint Drivers Welfare Association of Nigeria (JDWAN), with a view to finding permanent solutions to the issues raised by the Association.

A release signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, said the move became necessary following the boycott by the drivers over alleged harassment and extortion by motor parks and garages management personnel across the state.

He explained that sequel to the announcement by JDWAN to embark on a seven-day strike starting from 31st October, 2022, the State Government, through the Ministry of Transportation, had invited its leadership to a meeting on Friday, 28th October, 2022, despite its non-affiliation to any of the transport unions, such as NURTW and RTEAN, known to the State.

According to him, 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, which will include representatives of other recognised unions with a view to resolving the matter amicably.

While noting that the outcome of the second meeting scheduled to hold on Wednesday would be made known to the public, Giwa urged members of JDWAN 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”, he added.

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