By Bose Adelaja

CITIZENS COMPASS —Drivers of  the Lagos State Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) embarked on a strike action on Sunday, following non payment of their salaries. 

The strike action was embarked upon by drivers of Primero Transport Services Limited who claimed they have not received their December salaries and there was no inkling thay the January salaries would be paid. 

Following the strike, many passengers using the services were stranded at various bus terminals in Ikorodu and this brought about long queues. 

Our correspondent observed that some passengers were going back and forth lamenting the situation. 

However buses belonging to Asset Management and Lagos Bus Services Limited were in operation but  few buses were available compared with the number of passengers.

One of them who spoke with our correspondent at the Ikorodu – Oshodi stand said he was to attend the naming ceremony of his grandson at Festac but the strike action has jeopardised this, “My plan was to board costal 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 retun 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 Godwin Esther, said she was going for an appointment at 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 Jo said he may resign his appointment with the company soon, “salaries are not paid as at when due and tje company surcharges us at any slightest opportunity, “ he said. 

The same scenario was witnessed ay Costain as many passengers were stranded.

A staff 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.