Sanwo-Olu to meet with striking commercial drivers Wednesday

The Lagos government says a meeting with the Joint Drivers Welfare Association of Nigeria (JDWAN) over the ongoing strike by drivers has been scheduled for Wednesday.

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 on Monday, while there was a hike in fares by available transporters.

In a statement, the Lagos government said a meeting with the association had been held on October 28, with another meeting fixed for Wednesday.

According to the statement, Sola Giwa, special adviser to the governor on transportation, added that the Lagos government is looking into the demands by the drivers “with a view to finding permanent solutions to the issues raised by the association”.

READ ALSO: Extortion: Lagos Commercial bus drivers begin seven days strike

“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,” the statement reads.

“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, 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.”

The special adviser also warned those taking advantage of the strike by hiking transport fares “to desist from doing so or face the consequences of their illegal actions”.