The Lagos Government has scheduled a meeting with the Joint Drivers Welfare Association of Nigeria (JDWAN) for Wednesday over the ongoing strike by drivers.
The drivers had begun a seven-day strike on Monday over alleged extortion by the management of motor parks and garages in the state.
The strike had left many commuters in the state stranded on Monday, while there was a hike in fares by transporters who were out with their vehicles.
The state government, in a statement, said a meeting with the association had held on October 28, with another meeting slated for Wednesday
Sola Giwa, special adviser to the governor on transportation, said in the statement 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”.
“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.
Giwa urged members of JDWAN to go on with 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 exploiting the strike by hiking transport fares to refrain from such or face the consequences of their illicit action..