Plateau: Transporters, marketers declare strike over traffic law

The Plateau State transporters, marketers, and traders have declared a one-day warning strike in response to the implementation of Executive Order 003, which restricts trucks and heavy equipment from entering the Bukuru-Jos metropolis.

Hart Bankat, the General Manager of Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), had on March 10, announced Executive Order No. 003, which prevents trucks from entering business areas from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.

The strike decision was announced during a press conference in Jos following the government’s refusal to address their demands.

The demands include the provision of a bypass as an alternative route for trucks, the establishment of a trailer park, and adjustments to the movement timing from 9pm to 6am.

Samaila Abubakar Garba, Chairman of Plateau Traders and Marketers’ Association, Jos North, who spoke on behalf of the group, highlighted the challenges faced since the order’s implementation.

He said the challenges include security risks, logistical disruptions, supply chain interruptions, and increased costs due to longer transportation routes or alternative methods.

Garba also mentioned the impounding of 25 trucks belonging to their members by JMDB officials, with the government demanding a fine of N500,000 per truck for their release.

He emphasized that the government’s refusal to listen to their concerns prompted the strike action.

He also raised concerns about the safety of Mararaban Jama’a, designated as a parking space for their trucks, citing the area’s volatile nature and previous security crises in the state.