Commercial Bus Drivers' Strike Ground Lagos.
Reported by: Adejumo
The strike by commercial vehicle drivers in Lagos State has grounded all aspects of life in the ever busy business city, with the action leaving many commuters stranded at different parts of the Lagos metropolis.
Many commuters who were unaware of the drivers strike were seen at various Bustops unable to get vehicles to their places of work and businesses in the early hours of the day.
Several people had to trek for very long distances in order to get to their destinations as the adamant striking drivers africafirstnews.com Correspondent that their members will continue the action until the Lagos State government stops the imposition of illegal taxes, extortion and harassment of their members.
Those travelling outside of Lagos were equally affected as only very few inter State commercial vehicles operated, though most of the motor parks witnessed low patronages, in what a driver attributed to the inability of many intending travellers to get local commercial transportations to the parks due to the Lagos drivers strike.
A stranded passenger, Jerome Agbochu said he missed a pre-paid transportation to the eastern part of the country because he could not get a shuttle vehicle to arrive the terminal Oshodi on time to board the outward bus.
He and other passengers called on the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to address the issues leading to the strike to provide lasting solutions as they are mostly affected.
There has been a sharp increase in the costs of transport fare in parts of Lagos on Monday as some commercial drivers in the city withdrew their services.
It was observed that along the Lagos - Badagry Expressway, a trip from First Gate bus stop to Orile, that used to cost ?150, the minibuses today charged ?250, while from Mile 2 to Ketu/Mile 12 is now ?500 from ?400.
The few commercial buses that were plying between Lagos and Ogun State through the Lagos - Ibadan Expressway equally hiked their fares.
The drivers under the aegis of Joint Drivers Welfare Association Of Nigeria are boycotting Lagos roads for seven days starting from Monday, 31st October, 2022 to protest alleged extortion by members of the Lagos State Parks and Garages Management Committee as well as harassments by touts at the motor parks and garages across the State.
