Metro
Drivers Along Badagry Expressway Protest Touts, Security Agencies Extortion, Passengers Stranded
Drivers of Lagos yellow commercial buses, popularly known as danfo plying the Mile 2/Badagry expressway on Friday protested against extortion by touts and security operatives.
The majority of the drivers participating in the protest are currently occupying Ketu bus stop, along the road.
SaharaReporters gathered that the development has left many passengers around the area stranded.
According to the drivers, they have no more money to pay the louts, who take over N1, 000 from them for each vehicle daily.
The protesters added that there are too many security checkpoints on the expressway, and that they are being extorted excessively.
They also complained about harassment and extortion by police, Vehicle Inspection Officers and Federal Road Safety Corps officials which they said had worsened recently.
Some of the areas affected are Agbara to Iyana-Era, Igbo-Elerin, Okokomaiko, and Iyana Iba.
SaharaReporters learnt that some commuters were left with the option of commercial motorcycles, who charged N3, 000 from Iyana-Era to Mile 2.
“A lot of commuters plying the road are presently stranded and may remain so but the drivers are determined to keep up the strike until the extortion of drivers on the road is stopped by the government.
“The only major reservation expressed by some is that the police may be deployed to unleash terror on the drivers anytime soon.
“They say while some may be arrested, they are conscious that many of them may be killed by the erratic officers who would be deployed to crush the strike by any means necessary,” a resident of the area told SaharaReporters.
Saharareporters
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has intensified support for community-based security with the donation of 100 anti-riot kits and 1,000 pairs of operational boots to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency.
The high quality modern equipment was presented on behalf of the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, by the Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, to the General Manager of LNSA, Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, at the Agency’s headquarters in Oshodi.
The Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency plays a critical role in grassroots security as they support the police through intelligence gathering, routine patrols, and community policing initiatives across all local government areas in the state. The Corps is also tasked with maintaining law and order, detecting suspicious activities, and fostering safety awareness within communities.
The intervention is expected to further strengthen neighbourhood-level security architecture and deepen collaboration between communities and formal law enforcement agencies in State.
The Federal government has declared Friday, May 1, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated workers nationwide, commending their commitment and contributions to national development.
He noted that the dedication of Nigerian workers remains vital to the country’s growth and economic progress, urging them to sustain values of patriotism, productivity and diligence.
Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing security and creating an enabling environment for economic expansion.
He called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the celebration, encouraging citizens to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in nation-building.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed concern over the rising pressure on workers’ welfare and economic conditions of the country.
The Congress warned that it would embark on nationwide protest, if there is no improvement.
The warning was conveyed in in a communiqué jointly signed by the TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro, at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The Congress said the NEC meeting reviewed the state of the nation, developments within the congress, preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration, and other critical issues affecting Nigerian workers.
“The prevailing economic hardship has significantly affected the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and if there is no improvement, the congress will have no option but to mobilise workers in defence of their welfare.
“Government must urgently take concrete steps to address the rising cost of living and restore confidence in the economy,” it said.
The Congress said rising fuel prices, inflation, electricity tariff increases and insecurity had combined to erode workers’ purchasing power and living standards.
It noted that global developments, including the Iran–U.S. conflict, were further worsening economic pressures through higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
According to the TUC, Nigerian workers have not benefited from higher global oil prices but continue to face rising costs of transportation, food and essential services.
It urged the Federal Government to deploy excess crude revenue to cushion economic shocks and support vulnerable citizens.
The congress also called for urgent measures to stabilise fuel prices, improve electricity supply, and address insecurity nationwide.
It emphasised the need for policies that promote decent work, job security and social protection.
“The government must prioritise the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all policy decisions,” it said.
The TUC further called for tax relief for manufacturing companies and workers to ease economic pressure and stimulate productivity.
On electricity, it condemned repeated tariff increases without improved service delivery and demanded fair pricing, universal metering, and an end to estimated billing.
The congress expressed concern over rising insecurity, describing it as a major threat to economic activities and workers’ safety.
It urged government at all levels to adopt coordinated, intelligence-driven strategies to protect lives, farms, businesses and critical infrastructure.
“A stitch in time saves nine,” the communiqué added.
