Lagos Govt To Meet With Drivers On Wednesday Over Strike

The Lagos Government will meet with striking members of the Joint Drivers Welfare Association of Nigeria (JDWAN) on Wednesday. 

 This is according to a statement from the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa released on Monday. 

 Giwa stated that a meeting with the association was held on Friday, October 28, with another meeting scheduled to hold on Wednesday, despite its non-affiliation to any of the transport unions in the state. The drivers had 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 for hours, while there was a hike in fares by available bus drivers. According to Giwa, the state government was already looking into the demands of the drivers in order to find permanent solutions to the issues raised by the association. 

 The governor’s aide disclosed that the outcome of the second meeting scheduled to hold on Wednesday would be made known to the public. Giwa warned those taking advantage of the strike by hiking transport fares to desist from doing so or face the consequences of their illegal actions. 

 He, therefore, urged members of the association to continue their daily routine without fear of molestation and intimidation as security agencies have been directed to maintain law and order .

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 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.”