The management of Oshodi Transport Interchange in Lagos has refuted reports suggesting an ongoing crisis at the facility.
The interchange explained that the alleged dispute was a commercial issue involving OTI, the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria, and the Public Transport Owners of Nigeria Association – all long-standing operators at the interchange.
The management clarified in a statement on Tuesday that the issue emerged when discussions were initiated with all transport operators at the Interchange regarding the necessity to raise charges due to the escalating costs of operations.
However, it assured stakeholders that discussions were ongoing with transport operators aimed at resolving the issue amicably.
According to the management of the interchange, commercial activities and transport operations continue seamlessly, with OTI having operated successfully since 2019 without major incidents, even during the EndSARS crisis in 2020.
The management reiterated that OTI remains peaceful, safe, and secure, with an unwavering commitment to providing excellent transport and commercial activities in a safe, conducive environment.
Part of the statement read, “The attention of the management of the Oshodi Transport Interchange has been drawn to a report published in a national daily recently on a review of service at the public transport infrastructure.
“The report erroneously dwelt on the imminent looming crisis at OTI, West Africa’s largest public transport infrastructure built to enable commuters to connect different parts of Lagos and Nigeria without difficulty.”
“Contrary to the report, we unequivocally state that there is no tension, looming crisis, or any trouble at the Interchange. Commercial activities and transport operations are going on in the interchange seamlessly.”
“OTI caters daily to over 20,000 passengers with about 45 bus operating companies – National Union of Road Transport Workers, Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria Public Transport Owners of Nigeria Association, And LAMATA Franchise bus operating companies and over 70 businesses.
“The basis of the report is a commercial dispute between OTI, ALBON, and PTONA, which have been operating at OTI for four consecutive years. This need not draw media attention because we have an internal dispute resolution mechanism solely set up to resolve such an issue. This kind of disagreement is not uncommon in an environment of multiple operators and the prevalent escalating prices in Nigeria.”
OTI recently participated in the Yuletide transport subsidy of the President Tinubu administration and reported a surge in the number of passengers who participated in the schme.
