The Lagos State Government has started move to address the issues raised by the Joint Drivers Welfare Association of Nigeria (JDWAN).
As part of the measures to address the issues raised by the association, the state government has concluded plan to hold an important meeting with the association on Wednesday November 2, 2022.
The JDWAN had announced last week that it will commence a seven days strike on Monday October 31, 2022 and as well protest against what they called excessive multiple extortion. The strike action commenced on Monday.
According to a statement signed on Monday by Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, the state government had earlier scheduled meeting with the association on Friday October 28, but the meeting did not hold because only a few members of the association were available.
This necessitated the postponement of the meeting to the new date to enable more members to participate in the meeting.
The state government promised to make the outcome of the Wednesday meeting known to the public.
The statement reads in parts: “The Lagos State Government is looking into the demands of the Joint Drivers Welfare Association of Nigeria (JDWAN), with a view to finding permanent solutions to the issues raised by the Association.
“The move becomes necessary following the planned seven-day job boycott by the drivers over alleged “harassment and extortion by motor parks and garages management”.
“Sequel to the announcement by JDWAN to embark on a seven-day strike starting from 31st October, 2022, the Ministry of Transportation invited its leadership to a meeting on Friday 28th October, 2022, despite its non-affiliation to any of the transport unions known by the State Government, i.e NURTW and RTEAN.
“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 (the Unions inclusive) and resolve the matter amicably.
“The outcome of the 2nd November, 2022 Meeting will be made known to the public.
“The State Government urges drivers to continue their daily routine without fear of molestation and intimidation as security agencies have been directed to maintain law and order.
“Those who are taking advantage of the situation to raise fares are warned to desist from doing so or face the consequences of their illegal actions”.
