Lagos Government Suspends NURTW Activities In Strategic Locations Following Violence

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday suspended the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) activities at Eyin Eyo, Church Street and Idumota Bridge indefinitely due to the recent violence in the areas.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, to find a lasting solution to the frequent crisis occasioned by the activities of the transport unions, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Oluwatoyin Fayinka, said the ban was instituted to prevent further violence at Idumota and environs.

He informed that the Lagos State Parks Monitoring Authority would resume at Eyin Eyo while the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) will station an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) on Idumota Bridge to deter motorists from driving against traffic in compliance with traffic rules and regulations as well as to enforce the suspension of the NURTW activities within the axis.

The Special Adviser also disclosed that the activities of the transport union at Church Street and John Street, particularly Keke Marwa and Mini Buses (Korope), have also been suspended, stating that the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in collaboration with the State Police Command will ensure Safety of lives and property in the area.

“The State Security Operatives have been put on Red Alert to ensure Safety and Security of lives and property in Lagos Island and environs”, Fayinka stated.

In her remarks, the Iya Oloja of Lagos Island, Alhaja Risikat Odumosu, commended the imposition of the ban by the State Government and expressed her displeasure at the wanton looting and destruction of goods around the Idumota area by the NURTW members during the recent disturbance.

Alhaja Odumosu appealed to the State government to do everything in its power to find a lasting solution to the frequent disturbance by the activities of the transport unions on Lagos Island.

Stakeholders present at the meeting include representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Central Business District (CBD) and Lagos State Market Women Associations, including Iya Oloja General and Iya Oloja of Lagos Island among others.