By Adedapo Adesanya

The Lagos State government has expressed concerns over the growing number of rickety vehicles operating on Lagos roads, saying they pose a risk to commuters and road users in the cosmopolitan city.

The government, through Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), has advised Lagosians to be vigilant and avoid boarding rickety public vehicles known as danfos.

The Director of the agency, Mr Akin-George Fashola, said reassured members of the public that impounded rickety vehicles would not be released for further use.

In a statement via the Lagos Ministry of Transportation on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Fashola said the vehicles, including one he personally apprehended, were in extremely poor condition, describing them as poorly maintained, with outdated parts and lacking essential safety features essentially ticking time bombs on Lagos roads.

He emphasized that rickety vehicles have been linked to numerous accidents in the state, often resulting in loss of lives, injuries, and property damage.

Further highlighting the dangers, Mr  Fashola pointed out several critical issues common among the seized vehicles: unstable tires due to expiration, potential brake failure caused by makeshift repairs, and disjointed body compartments weakened by rust all of which render them unfit for commercial use.

He noted that many of these vehicles operate mostly at night, further increasing the risks to unsuspecting passengers, urging the public to prioritize safety by avoiding any vehicle that appears to be in a deteriorated condition.

He added that the VIS is working closely with relevant stakeholders, including road transport unions, to ensure Lagos roads remain safe for all users, encouraging members of the public to report any sightings or experiences with rickety vehicles via the VIS complaint platforms at [email protected], or through the Ministry of Transportation hotlines: 09020004000 and 09020009000.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Commercial bus operators in Lagos State have been warned against route violations and illegal road parking across the metropolis or risk being apprehended to face the full wrath of the law.

This warning was given by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, who said the government would no longer tolerate the excesses of the commercial bus drivers, especially those operating mini buses, colloquially known as Korope.

In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr Adebayo Taofiq, the Governor’s aide emphasized the paramount necessity of unwavering adherence to traffic regulations, with particular regard to unauthorized route deviations.

According to him, the new directive is in alignment with the government’s overarching initiative to instil orderliness on Lagos roadways and ensure the uninterrupted flow of vehicular movement across the metropolis.

He further articulated that LASTMA operatives have been duly mandated to escalate enforcement strategies aimed at curbing reckless driving and unlawful practices that hinder urban mobility and disrupt the city’s traffic ecosystem.

Additionally, Mr Giwa issued a categorical directive against the indiscriminate occupation of public roadways for unauthorized parking and loading activities, which significantly aggravate traffic congestion and pose substantial risks to other road users.

He emphasized that, moving forward, all commercial operators must restrict their operations to designated bus stops and terminals to avert unwarranted impediments to vehicular circulation.

“Illegal parking and flagrant route violations have metamorphosed into a grave menace in Lagos, particularly due to the arbitrary conduct of mini bus operators. Such transgressions, which impede traffic fluidity and endanger public safety, will no longer be condoned.

“LASTMA has been expressly instructed to enforce absolute compliance with extant traffic laws and to apprehend defaulters accordingly,” Mr Giwa asserted.

“Furthermore, strict adherence to designated routes is imperative for security purposes, as it acts as a deterrent against unscrupulous elements who exploit commercial vehicles, particularly Korope, for illicit activities,” he added.

In light of these directives, LASTMA enjoins all road users, especially commercial transport operators, to cooperate fully with traffic enforcement authorities by adhering strictly to stipulated regulations and fostering a culture of responsible driving.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A leading global ride-hailing platform operating in 48 countries worldwide, including Nigeria, inDrive, recently rewarded some of its drivers for being active in the month of Ramadan.

The company, through a recently concluded weeklong campaign tagged inDrive Ramadan Drivers’ Initiative in Abuja, showered gift items on its drivers.

inDrive said the campaign fostered a deeper connection with its driver community, reaffirming its mission to empower and support those at the heart of its operations.

It underscored the brand’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of recognition, appreciation, and financial support, ensuring drivers remain at the forefront of its mission to provide fair and people-first mobility solutions.

The platform, it was learned, recognized and rewarded drivers who went the extra mile to serve riders during the holy month of Ramadan, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for passengers.

The drivers were given thoughtfully curated hampers and other items, symbolizing inDrive’s deep appreciation for their commitment and exceptional service.

They were chosen after remaining online and consistently completing rides during the period for a special contest recognizing their dedication.

Speaking on the campaign, the Country Representative of inDrive in Nigeria, Mr Timothy Oladimeji, said, “At inDrive, we recognize the dedication and resilience of our drivers, especially during significant periods like Ramadan.”

“This initiative is our way of expressing gratitude and reinforcing our commitment to their well-being and success. We believe that when drivers feel valued and supported, they are better positioned to provide excellent service to riders,” he added.