The Lagos State Government has said that it is considering the concerns of the Joint Drivers Welfare Association of Nigeria (JDWAN), with a view to finding permanent solutions to them.
This is as commuters in some parts of the state expressed hardship as many commercial vehicles were off the road in respond to the seven-day boycott of Lagos roads, which JDWAN commenced on Monday.
JDWAN’s national leader, Akintade Abiodun said the decision was due to alleged extortion by the management of motor parks and garages in the state.
In a statement on Monday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa said that the mediation is intended at resolving the dispute.
He explained that sequel to JDWAN’s protest announcement, the Ministry of Transportation invited the association’s leadership to a meeting scheduled for last Friday despite its non-affiliation to any of the transport unions, such as the National Road Transport Union of Nigeria and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, 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 to have a larger house, which would 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.
JDWAN’s counsel, Ayo Ademiluyi said members of the association had been subjected to indiscriminate extortion and violent harassment by the management of parks and garages in the state.
His statement reads: “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”.
The group alleged that its members lost half of their income to motor park ticketing, stating that they got arrested whenever they refused to pay for the tickets.
