Group backs Lagos commercial drivers on strike over extortion

Lagos plans to hold talks with JDWAN, to restore normalcy

A group, Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR), has thrown its weight behind the threat of commercial drivers, under the auspices of the Joint Drivers Welfare Association (JDWAN) in Lagos State, to embark on seven-day mass protest and boycott of services over multiple and excessive extortions by the management of parks and garages in the state.

CDWR, in a statement signed by its National Chairperson, Rufus Olusesan, and made available to The Guardian in Ibadan by Abiodun Bamigboye, said for many years now, commercial bus drivers and other road transport workers in Lagos and across the country had come under constant and daily attack, harassment and extortion by motor park thugs under the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

The group urged pro-masses organisations to support the struggle of the beleaguered commercial drivers.

MEANWHILE, the Lagos State Government has said that it will look into the demands of JDWAN, with a view to finding permanent solutions to the issues raised by the association.

A statement, yesterday, by Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, said: “Sequel to the announcement by JDWAN to embark on a seven-day strike starting from October 31, 2022, 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.

“It was resolved that the meeting be adjourned till November 2, 2022, to have a larger house (the unions inclusive) and resolve the matter amicably. The outcome of the November 2, 2022 meeting will be made known to the public.”

“The state government urges drivers 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.”