It was reported that the commercial drivers threatened to begin a seven-day protest and boycott of services across Lagos over multiple and excessive extortions by the management of parks and garages in the state. The drivers were protesting the multiple and excessive extortions that they had been subjected to. Apolitical movement under the umbrella of The People's Alternative Political Movement (TPAP- M), Lagos State Chapter has expressed support for the Joint Drivers' Welfare Association of Nigeria (JDWAN) in Lagos, who are protesting against extortion and violent harassment by members of the Lagos State Parks and Management Committee. JDWAN is protesting against extortion and violent harassment by members of the Lagos State Parks and Management Committee. Because of the frequent and disproportionate extortions committed by the management of parks and garages in the state, the commercial drivers threatened to begin a seven-day protest and a boycott of services across the entire city of Lagos.
In a statement released by its National Leader, Akintade S. Abiodun; Chairman, Opeyemi Sulaiman; General secretary, Ajimatanarareje A. Feyisayo; and Assistant Secretary, Taofik Hassan, the association announced that the beginning of the protest will take place on Monday, October 31, and instructed its members to comply with the instruction. In a statement of solidarity, TPAP-M called for an end to what it described as unjust levies inflicted on Lagos commercial bus and taxi drivers by violent elements in the service of the state. The statement was signed by TPAP-Interim M's Chairperson, Affiong L. Affiong Esq., and Interim Secretary, Akinkunmi Olawoyin. TPAP-M is an organization that represents drivers of commercial buses and taxis
The movement issued the following statement in response to the proposed strike action: "Our attention has been raised to the seven-day proposed strike action by the Joint Drivers Association of Nigeria, which is anticipated to begin on Monday, October 31st, 2022."
"In light of this recent development, we at TPAP-M, Lagos State Chapter, would like to express our solidarity with the striking drivers who are protesting the illegal extortion and violent harassment that is routinely carried out by members of the Lagos State Parks and Management Committee, led by Musiliu Akinsaya aka MC Oluomo, and which is also sanctioned by the Lagos State Government. These actions are being carried out by members of this committee on a daily basis.
"We ask for an end to the unjust taxes that are inflicted on Lagos commercial bus, taxi, and tricycle drivers; and that are extracted by violent elements working for the service of the state."
The extortion of commercial truck drivers in the state has wider-reaching ramifications for the state's economy. The throttling levy that was imposed on the drivers has a direct effect on the supply chain of goods and services, which ultimately results in an increase in the price of essential goods, commodities, and services in Lagos in comparison to the prices in other states. This is one of the most important factors that contributes to inflation.
"Putting a stop to this state-approved extortion of drivers will bring down the exorbitant cost of living in Lagos and ensure that revenues of the drivers are not poured illegally into the coffers of a rent-seeking state,"
Movement members also demanded an end to the incumbent's method of extracting feudal tribute from park visitors in favor of a more democratic, worker/driver-centered committee.
Also Read: Lagos drivers go on strike for seven days.
It urged that the government of Lagos State "must stop using violent thugs and area boys for its levy extraction enterprise and adhere to all of the striking drivers' requests as quickly as possible."
