Lagos commuters stranded as bus drivers protest alleged extortion by police, LASTMA, others
Lagos Commuters Stranded as Bus Drivers Strike Over Alleged Extortion
LAGOS — Commuters traveling along the Iyana-Ipaja/Iyana-Iba corridor faced disruptions Tuesday as commercial bus drivers halted operations to protest alleged extortion by law enforcement and transport regulatory agencies.
The drivers claim that officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Police, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) have been subjecting them to persistent and increasing financial demands.
Several drivers who spoke with reporters expressed frustration regarding what they say is a daily harassment of commercial operators. They described the situation as increasingly untenable, with many feeling compelled to withdraw their services to raise awareness of their grievances.
The drivers allege that LASTMA officials frequently impound their vehicles under various pretexts, often detaining them for an entire day. This practice, they say, results in substantial financial losses for both vehicle owners and operators, significantly undermining their ability to earn a profit.
In response to these ongoing issues, the drivers initiated their strike to compel authorities to address the alleged extortion that threatens their livelihoods.
