Lagos Warns Commercial Drivers Against Raising Fares

By Module Gbadeyanka

The Lagos State government has warned commercial drivers in the state against raising their fares, threatening to deal with those involved in such “illegal actions.”

In a statement issued on Monday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, said efforts are being made to address the issues raised by some aggrieved drivers in the state.

Some commercial drivers under the aegis of the Joint Drivers Welfare Association of Nigeria (JDWAN) threatened to embark on a 7-day industrial action over alleged extortion by some touts and security officials.

The action started on Monday, October 31, 2022, leaving many commuters stranded at various bus stops. Some drivers took advantage of the situation to increase transport fares, which the state government has frowned at, saying it will not accept such.

In the statement today, Mr Giwa said the state government has already commenced negotiations with the aggrieved commercial drivers with a view to finding permanent solutions to the issues raised by them.

According to him, after the group announced its planned action, the state government, through the Ministry of Transportation, invited its leadership to a meeting on Friday, October 28, 2022, despite its non-affiliation to any of the transport unions, such as NURTW and RTEAN, known to the state.

He said 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 amicably.

While noting that the outcome of the second meeting scheduled to hold on Wednesday would be made known to the public, Mr 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 declared.