Society Gists

There are indications that Lagos State metropolis may be thrown into a state of confusion, as the ultimatum given to commercial drivers by the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state on accreditation of their vehicles elapses today.

SocietyGists gathered that many of the drivers are yet to comply with the directive by both the state government and their unions.

A driver who simply gave his name as Benson told our correspondent that, “We will not do what they said. We are ready for war tomorrow (today). They have sold us to Lagos State government, turning us anywhere they like and they want us to obey them; no way; they will see our action now.”

The Lagos State chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), acting on the orders of Lagos State government had given commercial drivers in the state up till Monday, 8th July, 2014 to comply with the state government’s directive on vehicle accreditation or face punitive action from the union.

The state government as part of its efforts to improve service delivery in the transport sector and improve security in the state directed vehicle owners, drivers and conductors to register their vehicles at designated Vehicle Inspection Offices in the state.

Disturbed by low response to the exercise, the state chairman of NURTW Mr. Tajudeen Agbede directed all branch chairmen not to allow driver who refused to comply with the directive to pick passengers from their garage as from today.

He said he gave the directive as his last warning to drivers about the issue of accreditation because some members were not willing to comply

“We wasted a lot of time appealing to people to comply, but I think the best way to ensure total compliance with the exercise is to introduce force, hence the decision to introduce ‘No Registration, No Loading policy at our garages. As driver myself, I know the best way to handle my members, “ he added.

The NURTW boss also hinted that he would be visiting garages as from today to know the level of compliance with the programme.

He explained that the drivers would benefit from the exercise , saying the accreditation will earn drivers dignity and respect.

“It will also protect drivers from exploitation and improve their earning power and will also improve union activities and management,” Agbede said.