Commercial bus drivers operating along the Iyana-Ipaja/Iyana-Iba axis of Lagos State have suspended their services, leaving many commuters stranded.
The drivers reportedly stopped work to protest what they described as continuous extortion by law enforcement and transport officials.
They accused officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and some members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) of demanding money from them.
The affected drivers said the alleged payments have become a regular part of their daily operations.
They expressed concern that the situation is making commercial transportation increasingly difficult and reducing their earnings.
Some drivers also alleged that LASTMA officials frequently impound their buses over traffic offences.
According to them, some vehicles are kept for several hours before being released. They said this often means losing an entire day of income.
The drivers explained that vehicle owners and drivers suffer financially whenever buses are prevented from operating.
They said withdrawing their services was a deliberate move to draw attention to their concerns and pressure the relevant authorities to intervene.
The action has also created difficulties for passengers who depend on commercial buses to travel along the busy corridor.
Many commuters have reportedly been forced to look for alternative means of transportation as the dispute continues.
The drivers are calling on the authorities to investigate their complaints and address what they described as excessive financial demands.
They also want traffic enforcement to be carried out fairly while ensuring that commercial transport operators can conduct their businesses without undue pressure.
