The Lagos State Parks and Garages Management Committee has stated that its members will not participate in the planned nationwide protest by organized labor groups.
The LSPG Chairman, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly referred to as MC Oluomo, said this on Tuesday during a meeting with transport union leaders and operators.
Oluomo said, “We, the state executives, and the entire members of Lagos State Parks and Garages met today in Lagos to review the situation in the country, particularly in Lagos, following the oil subsidy removal by the Federal Government.
“After much deliberation and review, we discussed the high cost of food, transport fares, and other areas of public interest, in particular the plan by the organized labor unions, that is, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), to call workers out on strike action.
“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.”
At the meeting, MC Oluomo also announced relief measures for commercial bus drivers and passengers to mitigate the consequences of the Federal Government’s elimination of fuel subsidies.
The LSPG CEO stated that the N800 tickets sold to drivers at parks would now be N600 and that all booking fees would be lowered by 25%.
Akinsanya stated that transport fares would be reduced from N500 to N300 on some routes, while those paying N200 would pay N150 elsewhere.
He also stated that commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators will receive a 25% discount on union tickets.
Akinsanya announced the formation of a task force team to oversee the execution of the directives as well as a warning to executives of various parks and garages to ensure compliance, threatening fines for any who fail to do so.
All members of the state administration, park chairmen, and selected union leaders would lead the task committee.
Oluomo stated that the agency would do everything it takes to avoid inconveniencing the public.
He stated that the decision was issued in response to Governor Sanwo-Olu‘s pronouncement on bus price reductions.
“Lagos State Government has provided a conducive atmosphere for our operations. 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 percent reduction of government public transport and a downward review on our Yellow Bus 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 the Lagos State Government and union tickets. With this, there will be a reduction in transport fares by commercial drivers,” MC Oluomo said.
