Lagos to meet with drivers on Wednesday

The Lagos government has scheduled a meeting with the Joint Drivers Welfare Association of Nigeria over the ongoing strike by drivers.

Recall that the drivers commenced a seven-day strike on Monday over alleged extortion by the management of motor parks and garages in the state.

The development had left many commuters in the state stranded on Monday, while there was a hike in fares by available transporters.

The Lagos government, in a statement on Monday, said a meeting with the association had held on October 28, with another meeting fixed for Wednesday.

The special adviser to the governor on transportation, Sola Giwa, in the statement, added that the Lagos State Government is looking into the demands by the drivers “with a view to finding permanent solutions to the issues raised by the association.”

The statement reads, “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, November 2, 2022 to have a larger house, which will include representatives of other recognised unions with a view to resolving the matter.”

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.”

The special adviser also warned those taking advantage of the strike by hiking transport fares “to desist from doing so or face the consequences of their illegal actions”.