Commercial bus drivers in Lagos State, under the aegis of Joint Drivers’ Welfare Association of Nigeria, JDWAN, commenced a 7-days strike action today across the State.
Recall that JDWAN informed the Lagos State government and the general public that it will embark on a 7-day strike effective from today.
Their grouse is against illegal tax extortion by thugs otherwise known as agbero and the motor park and garage management.
Many commuters were stranded at bus stops across the State, with few vehicles plying the road.
A passenger said he paid N1,500 from Badagry to Mile-2, as against the regular rate of N500 on a normal day.
Many commuters were stranded at Ogba and Ojodu Berger axis of the State as a result of the strike.
In a statement by its lawyer, Ayo Ademuliyi, JDWAN said, “As commercial drivers in Lagos State under the aegis of JDWAN, we are left with no choice than 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.”
To buttress the claims of JDWAN, a driver that operates the Bariga-Yaba route, says, ‘We pay N6,000 daily to touts of parks and garage management. This is against the N800 daily fixed by the Lagos State government “.
Commuters called radio stations to report the effect of the strike from their respective areas of Lagos.
As at the time of this report, officials of the Lagos State government’s Ministry of Transportation are yet to comment on the strike action.
Many commuters were seen trekking to their various destinations and place of work.