Lagos Launches Major Transportation Strategy to Tackle Road Menace

Segun James

The Lagos State Government has launched a new transportation strategy designed to tackle the menace of truck on the state’s roads and accidents associated with maritime and logistics operations in the state.

This was disclosed at a Stakeholders’ Engagement with Maritime and Logistics Practitioners yesterday in Ikeja, Lagos.

With the theme, ‘’Charting the Future of Maritime Logistics: Safety, Sustainability and Stakeholder Partnership,’’ the meeting was attended by truck operators in the transport union, freight forwarders, shipping and terminal operators, security agents, among others.

Speaking at the event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed that free eye test has been introduced for all truckers throughout the state as part of the effort accidents on the road.

Also, to ensure usage of dependable trucks, the state government has introduced loan through financial institutions for the purchase of CNG trucks.

The government also intend to discourage abuse of drugs, adding that the sensitization of truck drivers will also be conducted for their safety and other road users.

Sanwo-Olu said, “Today’s gathering is not merely a meeting. It is an affirmation of our collective responsibility to shape the future of an industry that serves as the advocate of commerce in Lagos and the people in Nigeria.

“The maritime and logistics sector contributes massively to national revenue, to employment, to industrial productivity and to the stability of our economy.

“It is therefore designed to sustain engagement, shared understanding, and united action. The task before us is challenging, maritime logistics, safety, sustainability, and stakeholders’ values speak directly to the work that lies ahead.

“It calls for a future in which lives are protected, assets are preserved, the environment respected and the prosperity of every participant is guaranteed.

“This vision aligns completely with the commitment of our administration to build a Lagos that is safe, orderly, future-friendly, and globally competitive.

“For many decades, the movements of goods within our portfolios have sustained businesses across Nigeria and West Africa.

“The truckers, the logistic operators, the freight operators and port service providers have been at the center of this work. The story of Lagos as the commercial nerve center of Nigeria cannot be written without your contribution.

“However, we recognize the challenges that confront us at this stage. We are familiar with the issues of truck safety, age, -intoxicants, avoidable breakdowns, health-related risks among operators and the need for stronger compliance with international standards.

“These challenges cannot be ignored. This meeting, therefore, marks a renewed commitment to decisive reforms. One of the most pressing concerns raised over the years is the prevalence of aging, poorly maintained, and sometimes unsafe trucks at our logistic programme

“Many of these trucks have exceeded their operational lifespan. Some have compromised braking systems, weakened frames, damaged tyres, and faulty lights. They pose a danger to operators, the road users, and the goods being transported.

“We must move away from the era in which heavy duty transportation is conducted with rickety assets. Lagos cannot aspire to be a globally competitive logistic hub while relying on unsafe vehicles that limit efficiency and endanger lives.

“Our government has therefore initiated a programme that will support truck owners to acquire brand-new vehicles through affordable and well-structured payment

“We are already working with financial institutions for a loan that is flexible in structure of payment.

“This system is needed to deliver regular service to the drivers. It is an economic investment. It will reduce roads accidents, prevent cargo losses, mitigate wind loss caused by broken down of trucks,” the governor stated.

In his goodwill message, the chairman of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. (retd) Buba Marwa called on all Nigerians for a successful war against drug abuse, noting the security agents alone could not eradicate the menace.

Marwa who was represented by the Assistant Commander General Narcotics, Abubakar Liman noted, “This strategic engagement is timely and commendable, as it reinforces our collective commitment to safety, and sustainability to welfare within the trucking and haulage sector.

“The NDLEA fully supports the initiatives such as free eye test for truckers, substance abuse sensitization and routine drug testing.

‘’These are key measures that will significantly enhance compliance, reduce accidents and improve the overall efficiency of truck movement across Lagos state.

“We appreciate the Lagos State Government for its partnership in promoting a safer and more secure transport environment. We can continue to build together, a system that protects life, support productivity and strengthens the pillars of public safety.”

He advised parents and religious leaders to support the war against drug abuse, saying “Majority of us here are parents and we all have children. So, in line with the vision, I want to appeal to all of us here to key into WADA, War Against Drug Abuse.

‘’Because if we do not come out, if we did not put our hands together to fight this menace, it is already fighting us back.

“So please, we cannot do it alone. All the law enforcement agencies and religious leaders, traditional leaders, community leaders, all of us will have to come out and see how we can fight this menace.

“For religious leaders, please, any time during your sermon, we should include this effect of drug abuse in our sermons religiously.”

In his welcome address, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, whose speech was read by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olawale Musa, said, “Our goal is to work closely with dealers, associations and organizations to develop a system of health programs for truckers.

“We are working with our relevant agencies to protect our truckers by protecting their capacity, ensuring they remain healthy and not unable to perform their vital role in the economy.

“I encourage all our stakeholders to approach today’s conversation with openness and commitment. The future we seek is a safe and healthy environment.”