Lagos bans unionism at motor parks

Ibirogba, Lagos commissioner for information and Opeifa, Ipaye


Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Government has banned the activities of members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in motor parks across the metropolis.

At a joint news conference on the new Traffic Law today in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa said collection of tolls from motorists along the road by any union has also been banned.

“Henceforth, union activity is no longer allowed in all the motor parks in the state. What they need to do now is to operate the way other unions in the state operate. They are meant to be in their offices.

“We recognise the right for them to associate but we believe that the motor parks should be made easy for those who want to carry out their business of commuting in the state,” he stated.

“Henceforth, no union member should be seen on the road collecting money from transport operators. It is illegal and this is how it is contained in the white paper adopted by the state government yesterday. Also, drivers and conductors in the state will be required to wear uniform,” he added.

Opeifa stated that the new traffic laws in the state was meant to ensure safety, security of lives and property within the state, as well as enhancing service delivery in the state.

“Government will soon commence the re-registration of motor parks across the state. The situation where people just park vehicles in a certain area converting it as motor parks is now illegal,” he said.

On the new law, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state, Ade Ipaye said though the law came into effect on Thursday the enforcement would not commence until the law is gazetted.

“We do not have enough men for the enforcement of the law but we will require the assistance of the residents of the state by complying with the new Lagos state road traffic law.

The fact that none of our men is on ground does not give residents of the state the opportunity of taking law into their hand,” he said.

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