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Lagos Restricts Inter-State Vehicles to Berger, Ojota Parks

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Operators of inter-state buses and vehicles have been directed by the Lagos State government not to go beyond Ojodu Berger and Ojota Motor Parks.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Mr Habib Aruna, disclosed that operators of the inter-state vehicles should stop plying the Ikorodu Road.

In the statement issued on Wednesday, Mr Aruna said the state government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the operators to relocate to the designated inter-state motor parks at Ojodu Berger and Ojota, after which stiff sanction would apply to defaulters.

Speaking after embarking on a joint inspection tour of ongoing construction of Modern Bus Terminal at Yaba and the beautification project at Jibowu, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, said the decision of the government was in line with the determination of Governor Ambode’s administration to free the city of avoidable nuisances and install sanity and civility in the environment.

He said the inspection was a follow-up to an earlier visit by the Governor to the area, adding that all the necessary quit notices have already been served on the affected operators.

He said, “This is a follow-up on the visit of Governor Ambode to this axis last night and was very displeased with what he saw particularly in the manner with which long buses, inter-state buses are using the main town and what we have done so far is the initial announcement to say that henceforth, we will no longer allow inter-state buses to be along Ikorodu Road.”

“Henceforth, they will have to go to Ojota and Ojodu Berger which are the two designated inter-state motor parks.

“The ones that we have here in Jibowu will have to move and there is a 7-day ultimatum for everyone of them beginning from the ones in this axis to move,” Mr Ayorinde added.

Speaking on the reason for the ban, the Commissioner said activities of the operators had not been tidy and decent despite repeated warnings, and that government could no longer sit and watch such to continue in the overall interest of the people.

He said, “Take for instance, the new Jersey Barricades here are being destroyed and they are built with taxpayers money. Yes, the initial accident was caused by a vehicle but we have seen people showing disrespect to taxpayers’ money and that we can no longer allow.

“We have also see the way vegetal nuisance have taken over everything particularly areas that are being used by the operators of the inter-state buses in spite of the repeated warnings that this is no longer acceptable.

“Sometimes you come here late in the night and you encounter criminal elements and the government is saying we can no longer take this.

“In the overall interest of the public, what is tidy, what is decent and civilized is to move them where they really belong so that we can free the city and you know what we are doing in terms of the overall plans for the city.

“There are major bus terminals springing up. People have seen what we are doing in Yaba which will be ready by December; they have seen what we have done in TBS and Ikeja, which are all part of the overall plan. And part of what the Governor has said is that every area like that, we will add a beautification plan to it.

“So, what we have done is in the best interest of Lagosians, taxpayers and the public.”

He, however, urged affected stakeholders to work with government, assuring that the development would not in any way affect their businesses and livelihood.

Also speaking, the Acting Commissioner for Transportation, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, said the ban was part of the plan of the government to properly utilize spaces under flyovers and bridges.

He assured that government had already provided more than enough spaces for the affected operators at Ojodu Berger and Ojota, saying that a stakeholders’ meeting would also be held on this week to discuss and allocate spaces for operators at the said parks.

He said at the expiration of the ultimatum, government would enforce the ban and any operator who flouts the directive would be seriously sanctioned.

On her part, the new General Manager of Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), Bilikisu Adebiyi-Abiola, said government was already working on an intensive design for the beatification project to be sighted within Jibowu and Yaba axis, adding that the project would soon be implemented.

She said the project was part of general Greener Lagos Plan which the present administration had set out to achieve with the taking over and beatification of blighted areas across the state.

“The Greener Lagos Plan is for the benefit of all Lagosians so that our children can use them and it is also important for our health because we are going to introduce greenery, trees and plants that would help the environment,” she said.

She further said areas such as Lagos Island, Mile 2 and Festac were currently being considered for the beatification project in the short time, while there are massive plans to extend the project to all parts of the state.

On the issue of quality assurance, the new LASPARK boss said the agency was already working with contractors and partners to comply with the standards, while also assuring that the agency would enforce compliance with the required standards.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Lagos Hikes BRT Fares by 18% Over High Operational Costs

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By Adedapo Adesanya

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has increased fares for the Bus Rapid Transit better known as BRT across the state.

According to the Lagos State agency, an 18 per cent increment on all the routes will take effect from Monday, February 17, 2025.

This will impact Lagos commuters who already have to contend with high cost of food and energy amid a wider cost of living crisis in the country. Businesses are also not exempt as many workers commute to their various destinations via BRT buses.

“Please be informed that there will be an 18 percent increase in the bus fare on all Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) schemes,” part of the notice read.

“The fare increase is because of the increase in the cost of operations and the need to ensure that buses keep running and guarantee your movement around Lagos,” it added.

LAMATA called for the “understanding and cooperation” of passengers amidst the increment.

The Lagos State government had in November 2023 cancelled the 50 per cent transport fare discount on all BRT and reverted to the old prices.

“The 50 per cent rebate in transport fare in the regulated transport system in Lagos ends on Sunday,” LAMATA said then. “The statement informed commuters that starting “from Monday, November 6, 2023, transport fare will return to the pre-2nd August 2023 rate.”

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had in July of that year reduced the transport fares for the state-owned buses and commercial buses by 25 per cent on all routes.

The moves were parts of efforts to cushion the impacts of the removal of fuel subsidy by the President Bola Tinubu government.

Mr Sanwo-Olu also said his administration was expanding its fleet of staff buses for workers in the Lagos State Public Service.

He said that the buses are ready and will be deployed through the office of the Head of Service of the state.

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Dangote Peugeot Introduces Landtrek Pickup Truck into Nigerian Auto Market

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Peugeot Landtrek pickup truck

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The official manufacturer and marketer of the Peugeot brand of vehicles in Nigeria, Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN), has introduced the Peugeot Landtrek pickup truck into the Nigerian auto market.

The Peugeot Landtrek 4×2 vehicle is a pickup truck with a rear-wheel drive system with a 2.4-litre engine workhorse. It is part of the Peugeot Landtrek pick-up truck range with a reputation for ruggedness.

Business Post reports that the introduction of this commercial vehicle coincides with the assembly of the GT model of the wave-making Peugeot 3008 in Nigeria by the firm.

With its 1.6-litre high-performance turbo engine, the Peugeot 3008 GT has expanded the existing line-up of vehicles from the assembly lines of the modern plant that opened some years ago in Kaduna.

The new 3008 GT is joining the existing ‘Made-in-Nigeria Peugeot’ range that includes the popular 301 sedan, and the 5008 (a large, seven-seater known for its spacious interior, stylish design, and modern technology features).

Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited is jointly owned by billionaire businessman and mega industrialist, Mr Aliko Dangote, through his Dangote Industries Limited; Kaduna, Plateau and Kebbi State Governments; and the technical partner (Stellantis Group, the parent company of Peugeot).

The Chief Commercial Officer of Dangote Peugeot, Umar Isa-Kaita, disclosed recently that the automaker has been holding discussions with some auto companies towards expanding the Peugeot sales and after-sales network by accrediting dealerships in parts of Nigeria.

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IGP Orders Enforcement of Third-Party Insurance From February 1

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By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have been directed to commence the enforcement of the mandatory third-party insurance for vehicle owners from Saturday, February 1, 2025.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, in a statement signed by the force spokesman, Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Friday night, said nothing would change the due enforcement of the policy nationwide from tomorrow.

It was stated that the mandatory third party insurance is to reinforce road safety measures and ensure that all vehicle owners comply with the stipulated insurance requirements to protect themselves and others on the road.

The police, therefore, cautioned motorists against non-compliance with “this essential regulation,” emphasising that, “Failure to possess valid third party insurance will result in strict enforcement actions, including fines or penalties or both, as mandated by relevant extant laws.”

“Effective February 1, all vehicle owners nationwide are required to possess valid third-party insurance as they move about, and those without the Insurance, are advised to be insured quickly to avoid any sort of embarrassment.

“The IGP has directed all state Commissioners of Police to ensure due enforcement, as police officers will be empowered to conduct checks and enforce penalties for non-compliance in line with relevant extant laws.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to enhancing road safety and protecting the lives of all citizens through the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations. Cooperation from members of the public in this crucial endeavour is much appreciated,” the statement said.

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