Manny Ita –
The Lagos State Government has directed the full-scale, immediate enforcement of traffic regulations across the metropolis, specifically targeting motorists operating without valid certification and those driving under the influence of alcohol. This directive, issued following a review of recent road safety data, marks a significant escalation in the state’s “Drivers’ Care Initiative,” which recently flagged off health and safety screenings for over 10,000 professional drivers.
Authorities have confirmed that the enforcement drive will utilize the newly deployed Traffic Management Solution (TMS) cameras and the e-police system to track and penalize offenders with minimal human contact. The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport and Logistics, Hassan Adekoya, emphasized that the state would no longer tolerate negligence that endangers public lives. “Our drivers are the backbone of our transport system, but when they are not physically or mentally fit to drive, they become a liability. Through drug testing and mandatory eye examinations, we are protecting not just the drivers, but all road users,” Adekoya stated.
The crackdown comes amidst a renewed focus on the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, which mandates rigorous certification for commercial operators. The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Olalekan Bakare-Oki, warned that the agency has been placed on high alert to impound vehicles and prosecute violators. “I want to state categorically that the Agency will not tolerate any form of illegality. We have introduced technology to bring sanity and transparency, and we expect voluntary compliance. Any driver caught under the influence or without proper documentation will face the full weight of the law,” Bakare-Oki remarked during a briefing.
In addition to physical checkpoints, the state is leveraging its Integrated Transport System (ITS) to monitor high-traffic corridors such as the Third Mainland Bridge and the Lekki-Epe Expressway. Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, reiterated that the administration’s goal is to create a well-regulated environment where safety is non-negotiable. “We will not hesitate to apply the full force of the law against any driver whose actions endanger lives. This is a commitment to a safe and orderly transport system for all Lagosians,” Giwa noted, adding that the enforcement also covers articulated vehicles and speed limit violations.
Motorists found driving without a valid Driver’s Institute (LASDRI) certification or failing roadside sobriety tests face immediate vehicle impoundment and heavy fines. The state government has urged all transport unions and private owners to ensure their members are adequately trained and medically fit before taking to the roads, emphasizing that the era of “business as usual” in Lagos traffic management has ended.
