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

Lagos Commuters Stranded As Commercial Drivers Protest Extortion by Govt Agencies

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.