Sanwo-Olu Rolls Out Palliatives to Ease Suffering in Lagos

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced palliatives that will help Lagos residents cope with the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

At a press conference on Monday, the Lagos helmsman said from Wednesday, there would be a reduction in Lagos bus fares by 50 per cent, and a 25 per cent cut in yellow bus fares, which will formally be announced by the Parks Management Committee.

Speaking at the State House, Ikeja, at the end of a meeting with security agencies such as the Army, the Police force, and the Navy, he said the number of Lagos State staff buses will be increased, adding that new buses have been purchased for distribution soon.

The Governor also said the state would commence the distribution of food packs such as rice, beans and cassava flour (garri) to the vulnerable people in the state.

According to him, the distribution will be done through Community Development Associations (CDAs), churches, mosques, and local government.

These measures, he said, are to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government as well as the harsh economic situation in the country.

The 50 per cent reduction will be reflected on the transportation fare charged by buses operated by BRT, under the supervision of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and the 25 per cent reduction by yellow buses.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said the decision had since been communicated to LAMATA, while, according to him, the authorities of Lagos Park and Garage were already deliberating on the modality to carry their members along on ways to ensure seamless implementation concerning yellow buses.

He also charged the securities agencies to be on alert as there have been increased criminal activities around the state due to the economic situation since the removal of fuel subsidies was confirmed more than a month ago.