US embassy cable - 05LAGOS631

UNCLAS LAGOS 000631 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ELAB, EPET, KDEM, NI, PGOV 
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: PETROLEUM TRUCK DRIVERS COMMENCE 
STRIKE 
 
1. Summary:  On April 26 long-distance petroleum truck 
drivers in Lagos began an "indefinite strike," 
protesting the Lagos State Government's seizure of some 
of their trucks which truckers normally parked 
alongside major roads overnight.  The Lagos Government 
says it will not negotiate with the drivers until they 
comply with traffic regulations and relocate to 
alternative parking lots. The strike has resulted in 
long queues at gas filling stations and brisk business 
for black market fuel hawkers.  End Summary 
 
2. The Lagos State zonal council of the Association of 
Petroleum Tanker drivers directed its members on April 
26 to stop lifting petroleum products until the Lagos 
State government released forty trucks seized for 
violating traffic regulations. Razak Akanbi, the 
association's treasurer, told PolSpec the state 
government of Lagos was wholly responsible for this 
strike action, accusing the government of reneging on 
promises to provide alternative parking for the 
truckers. 
 
3. The Lagos Government has, however, vowed not to 
release the trucks until relevant fines are paid and 
warned more impoundments were in the offing as part of 
the state's efforts to ease traffic congestion.  Lagos 
Commissioner for Transportation characterized the 
government's decision as irreversible.  "We want to 
solve this problem once and for all", he said.   He 
said the government hopes to weather the labor action 
by providing incentives to strike-breakers.  Drivers 
who do not participate in the strike will be provided 
police escorts, for example. 
 
4. COMMENT: The dispute between the Lagos government 
and petroleum truck drivers has antecedents.  In 
November 2002, the state impounded sixty-five illegally 
parked trucks.  The drivers retaliated with a strike, 
resulting in significant fuel shortages. The truck 
drivers who routinely park their large haulers on major 
roads and bridges causing serious traffic delays claim 
they have no alternative parking space; the Lagos 
Government disputes the claim.  While both sides 
exchange recriminations, long queues build at Lagos gas 
stations.  A protracted strike would have a serious 
impact on the local economy; but this is only day two 
of the strike and neither side appears ready to 
concede.  Meanwhile, business has never been better for 
black market fuel hawkers. END COMMENT 
 
Browne