Drivers engaged by Primero Transport Services Limited – operators of the Lagos public transportation bus service known as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) – embarked on strike Monday, leaving commuters stranded on many routes.
The drivers claim they were not been paid their December salary, lamenting that there is no sign that they will also be paid January salary.
As a consequence, thousands of passengers who use the services were stranded at various bus terminals in Ikorodu, leading long queues of anxious passengers.
Reports say some passengers were going back and forth bemoaning the situation.
One of them who spoke at the Ikorodu-Oshodi stand said he was to attend the naming ceremony of his grandson at FESTAC Town, but the strike jeopardized his plan: “I planned to board coastal buses but it was N700 and that was why I rushed here to join the queues so that I can pay N375 to Oshodi. But I have been on the queue for hours without hope.
“The only thing I can do is to rerun home and greet my people on the phone. Already, I have spent N700 as fares to Ikorodu garage and will spend another N700 to return home.
“I have sold my car because of the increase in pump price,” he said.
On the Ikorodu-CMS queue, another passenger, Mrs. Esther Godwin, said she was going for an appointment on Victoria Island: “I cannot afford the fares for commercial buses and all I can do is to reschedule the appointment. Had I known that the drivers are on strike, I wouldn’t have bothered coming here,” said the stranded passenger.
A BRT driver simply identified as Joe said he may resign his appointment with the company soon: “Salaries are not paid as at when due, and the company surcharges us at the slightest indiscretion,” he complained.
The same scenario was witnessed at Costain Bust Stop, as many passengers were stranded.
A staffer of the transport company, who pleaded anonymity, said the strike commenced on Saturday.
“The strike started yesterday (Saturday). They are on strike because their December pay has not been given to them,” he said.
Asked how long the strike was likely to last, the Primero employee said, “The matter may be resolved tomorrow (Monday). I don’t think it will linger for too long.”
At press time, Primero’s Managing Director, Mr. Fola Tinubu, could not be reached for comment.