Commuters along the Iyana-Ipaja/Iyana-Iba route in Lagos are experiencing significant disruptions as commercial bus drivers have initiated a strike in response to alleged extortion by various regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies.

The drivers are protesting what they describe as relentless extortion practices imposed by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Police, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), commonly referred to as 'agbero'. These drivers have expressed their frustration over the increasing demands for bribes and fines, which they claim have made their working conditions unbearable.

In conversations with affected drivers, many reported that LASTMA officials frequently impound their vehicles, often holding them for an entire day. This practice not only disrupts their daily operations but also deprives them of essential income, exacerbating their financial struggles. The drivers argue that the situation has become untenable, prompting them to take industrial action as a means to highlight their grievances and seek redress.

The strike has left many commuters stranded, forcing them to seek alternative means of transportation or delay their travel plans. The impact of the strike is particularly felt by those who rely heavily on commercial buses for daily commutes to work, school, and other essential activities.

As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear how long the strike will last or whether authorities will take steps to address the drivers' concerns. The ongoing tensions between transport operators and regulatory agencies in Lagos have raised questions about the broader implications for public transportation in the city, as well as the need for reforms to alleviate the challenges faced by drivers and commuters alike.