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.

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.

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.