NLC Protest: MC Oluomo Rolls Out Palliative For Commercial Drivers, Passengers In Lagos

The Chairman of the Lagos State Parks and Garages (LASPG), Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo), has disclosed that transporters in the state would not be joining the planned protest by the organised labour.

Akinsanya, on Tuesday at a meeting with transport union leaders and operators, said about 50,000 agency members would not be joining Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) planned protest on Wednesday.

CityNews Nigeria gathered that he said instead, the management of the packs and garage has agreed to reduce ticketing fees issued by the union to drivers by 25 %.

He said commercial bus drivers, motorcycle (okada), and tricycle (Keke Marwa) operators would pay less for bookings at their various parks now, citing that where they hitherto paid N800, they would pay N600 now.

He said passengers would also enjoy the effect of the reduction, noting that routes that used to attract N500 transport fare would now be charged at N300 while commuters previously paying N200 would now pay N150.

He said the directive followed an earlier announcement by the state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on bus fare reduction.

Akinsanya said a task force had been established to monitor the implementation of the directive and ensure compliance, adding that sanctions would be meted out to defaulters.

The LASPG confirmed that the task force would be led by all members of state executives, parks’ chairmen, and selected union leaders.

He stated that “We, the state executives and the entire members of the Lagos State Parks and Garages met today (Tuesday) in Lagos to review the situation in the country, particularly in Lagos, following the oil subsidy removal by the Federal Government.

“After much deliberations and review, we discussed the high costs of foods, transport fares, and other areas of public interest, in particular, the plan by the organised labour, i.e., the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), to call workers out on a strike.

“After a careful discussion, we concluded that we will not be part of any strike or protest rally being planned to draw the Federal Government’s attention to the issue being debated in the country. All transport families and members will be at work to convey people to their various destinations without problem because the Lagos State government has announced some interventions in the sector.

“The Lagos State government has provided a conducive atmosphere for our operation. There is, therefore, no reason for us to join any strike that may threaten the peace of the state. The various palliative measures taken by the state government, especially the 50 per cent reduction of government public transports and a downward review of our yellow buses fares, will also go a long way in cushioning the effect of the subsidy removal.

“We have also embarked on internal measures like downward reviews of Lagos State government and union tickets. With this, there will be a reduction in transport fares by commercial drivers.

“We at the Lagos State Parks and Garages, therefore, unequivocally say no to any form of strike or protest by the organised labour or any group. All our members are enjoined to go by their normal duties without any fear or intimidation.”