Lagos Commuters Stranded As Commercial Drivers Protest Extortion by LASTMA, Others

Thousands of commuters faced major disruptions on Monday in Lagos as commercial drivers initiated a protest against alleged extortion by government agencies.  The drivers, pointing fingers at the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other entities, claimed unfair treatment during their daily operations. The state police command convened a meeting with key stakeholders, including representatives from the police command, executives of the Lagos State Government, LASTMA, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in response. The discussions delved into the grievances raised by the drivers. After the meeting, the stakeholders reached a mutual agreement to work together in ensuring transporters comply with traffic laws and to address reported excesses of law enforcement officers within the state.  The NURTW committed to organizing a broader meeting on Monday, November 13, 2023. Prominent figures present at the meeting included Deputy Commissioners of Police Waheed Ayilara (SCID), Fatai Tijani (Operations), Khan Salihu (Administration), Commander Rapid Response Squad (RRS) – CSP Yinka Egbeyemi, Commander Taskforce – CSP Shola Jejeloye. Other attendees comprised Honourable Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Bolaji Oreagba – General Manager, LASTMA, and representatives of NURTW Lagos chapter led by Alhaji Sulyman Ojora (Kudeti).  The state police command assured the public of adequate security measures and encouraged them to carry out their lawful duties without fear of harassment or intimidation.

Independence Day: Benue Govt Purchases 100 Buses to Mitigate Subsidy Removal Effects

The Benue Government says it has procured 100 buses to be handed over to the Benue Links, the state-owned transport company to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal on petrol. Governor Hyacinth Alia stated this in a radio and television broadcast as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary in Makurdi. Alia said he was aware of the sufferings of the people following the removal of fuel subsidy and other harsh economic realities in the country. “Our good people of Benue, I share the pains most of you are going through; and I assure you that your resilience and patience would not be in vain as this administration continues to reposition, as well as strengthen our institutions for good governance. I want to assure you that succour is on the way. “In the meantime, we have purchased 100 buses to be handed over soon to Benue Links, the state-owned transport company, to provide affordable transportation to the public. “In addition, plans are underway to distribute N50,000 each, to market women across the state, to enhance their petty trade businesses. “Our lofty visions, policies and strategies for good governance cannot be achieved in a society bereft of security of lives and property,” he said.Alia added: “No society thrives in the face of wanton killings, kidnapping, banditry, communal conflicts, and so forth.“The independent anniversary is a moment for us to salute our heroes past. It took valour, sacrifice and cohesive nationalistic onslaught for them to actualise our country’s political freedom. “It is important to thank the Almighty God for preserving us amidst several storms, some of which at some point within the last 63 years, threatened our very own existence as a country.“While we reflect in retrospect, it is equally pertinent for us to examine where we are, and look to the brighter future that lies ahead of us, especially in a State like ours that possesses allthe potentials of peaking us in the comity of states.”