On a seemingly ordinary day, a commercial bus driver, after reportedly facing repeated fines and alleged extortion by officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), took a daring step and set himself ablaze in an attempt to protest LASTMA’s Injustice.
Witnesses recounted that upon being stopped once again by LASTMA officials near Maryland, the driver doused himself and his vehicle with petrol and set both ablaze. Bystanders intervened, rescuing him from the flames and rushing him to a nearby hospital, where he received treatment for severe burns.
The Backstory: A Pattern of Alleged Extortion and LASTMA’s Injustice
Fellow drivers in the area have painted a grim picture of their interactions with LASTMA officials. Many claim that arbitrary fines and demands for bribes have become a routine part of their daily operations and they see this as LASTMA’s Injustice on them. One driver, noted that each encounter with LASTMA could cost a driver upwards of N11,000, a significant sum for those hustling for their living on Lagos’s congested roads.
In November 2023, a driver fleeing from LASTMA officials lost control of his vehicle, resulting in the deaths of two street sweepers on the Gbagada-Oshodi Expressway. Such incidents underscore the dire need for a reassessment of traffic enforcement practices and the establishment of trust between authorities and the public.
Tensions Between Drivers and LASTMA
This incident is not isolated. There have been multiple reports of confrontations between drivers and LASTMA officials, some escalating to violence. In one such case, a driver allegedly stabbed a LASTMA officer during an altercation, highlighting the deep-seated animosity and mistrust between the two groups. The repercussions of these tensions have been tragic.
A Call for Reform: Addressing the Root Causes
The driver’s drastic action serves as a stark reminder of the desperation felt by many commercial drivers in Lagos. While self-immolation is an extreme and tragic response, it underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms within LASTMA and the broader traffic enforcement framework. Ensuring transparency, accountability, and fair treatment for all road users is essential to prevent further tragedies and restore trust in public institutions.
Lagos stands at a pivotal moment. The city must confront the underlying issues that led to Monday’s desperate act and work towards a more equitable and just system for all its residents. Only through comprehensive reform and open dialogue can such tragedies be averted in the future.
