Category: Transportation

Lagos State gave a good account of itself at the maiden edition of the National Transportation Technology Conference and Exhibition (NTTCE), writes ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE

Though the two-day National Transportation Technology Conference and Exhibition (NTTCE) have been concluded, the lessons will, undoubtedly, linger in the minds of a large number of the delegates, especially state commissioners of Transportation, who left the state of aquatic splendor wowed by the strides and gains that could accrue, if their states are tuned and driven by strategic transportation master plan like the host.

The NTTCE, was the brain child of the forum of National Conference of Nigerian Transportation Commissioners (NCNTC), which in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Transportation usually formulate policies that would stimulate the transportation ecosystem.

The conference provided a platform for the public/private sector operators to share ideas and visions to optimise transportation initiatives by the federal and sub-national governments.

It was brought to Lagos, agreed by all the commissioners as the lead in berthing multimodal initiatives aimed at making public sector transportation a major earner and contributor to Internallly Generated Revenues (IGR).

Not only is Lagos investing heavily across all the modes of transportation – land (with the High Capacity Buses (HCB – BRT), the medium and mini bus called the First and Last Mile (FLM)), the Lagride Taxis, which is redefining taxi experiences as it encourages ride-sharing, and the Blue and Red light legacy rail line system, which completion is said to at 65 per cent, and the waterways which the government is massively dredging, and feeding with modern ferries and jetties to stimulate passenger confidence.

The state is complementing these with its strides to deliver a transportation policy, even as it has led others in the delivery of a Non-Motorised Transportation Policy, encouraging and  recognising the use of non-motorised forms of transportation, i.e. trekking/walking, skating, or riding of bicycles along dedicated corridors in the state.

The state also further made known  its willingness to reduce its contribution to the GreenHouse Gases (GHG) generation and the promotion of green transportation modes, by converting its BRT buses to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) even as it eyes taking this a step further with the introduction of electric buses in the near future.

These innovations, the Commissioner of Transportation Dr Frederic Oladeinde, said were being complemented by the introduction of cutting-edge technology which has ensured efficiency and the reduction of human interference, either in the use of road worthy vehicles plying its roads, which LACVIS is achieving, or the introduction of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), which has improved compliance rate of vehicle documents renewals, as well as the introduction of Cowry card, which is automating fare payments by passengers.

These were the reasons the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Transportation Dr Magdalene Ajani urged greater collaboration between all arms of government to enable them serve Nigerians better.

Ajani who represented the Minister of State for Transportation Sen. Gbemisola Saraki said the Federal Government will always encourage the states to invest massively in multimodal transportation.

The  Chairman of the Commissioners Forum, Hadjia Ramatu Mohammed, declared that coming to Lagos was not misplaced.

The Chairperson, who is the Niger State Commissioner for Transportation, and for who the NTTCE’s maiden event was her last, said the conference, with the theme, Multimodality and inter-connectivity: Achieving an efficient and greener transport system in Nigeria, gave participants the platform to discuss and dissect topical issues affecting the nation’s transport industry, while proffering solutions with the intention to align methodologies and processes for enhanced effectiveness and efficiencies.

While welcoming participants, the outgoing chairperson said, “Technological innovations have made a profound impact on the effectiveness and development of transportation and other sectors in developed and developing nations, adding that locally, the transportation sector has barely scratched the surface of the rapidly emerging technologies which could enhance the primary objective of safety and security, as well as boosting revenue at both states and federal levels.

She said the conference aims at showcasing some of the turnkey tech- products that could be adopted to improve our sector starting at the grassroots.

 

“Therefore, it is my pleasure to welcome you all, ladies and gentlemen. The Nigeria Transportation Commissioners forum is optimistic that this conference will henceforth chart the course for the transformation of the sector to align with global best practices, reduce the rate of accidents, introduce investors with subsequent increase in revenue generation and contribute to the overall standard of living and National Development.”

 

In attendance at the conference, are; Commissioners of Transportation from across the country, government bureaucrats, transport stakeholders, key decision-makers, captains of industry, experts from the academia, and operators in the Road, Rail, Water and Air transport sectors who discussed current and emerging trends that could be integrated into the Nigerian transportation space.

The first day provided insight into integrated national security and waterways protection infrastructure (Deep Blue Project), developing Strategic Transportation Master Plan for States, just as Lagos State, has done, and the role of inland ports, (for littoral states), in boosting States’ Economy.

It was unanimously agreed that transportation is a huge sector and a catalyst for economic growth with capacity to trigger abundance for their states.

Discussions on day two centred on: the future of intelligent transportation in Nigeria, leveraging on technology to drive the transportation and logistics challenges in Nigeria, Public-Private Partnership in Cargo Aerodrome, Water Transportation as an Alternative to Road Transportation, and Leveraging State Light Rail Mass Transit Scheme for economic turnaround.

In his keynote lecture, Prof Iyiola Oni of the Directorate of Transport Studies, University of Lagos urges greater collaboration between the states and the Federal Government to stimulate a transportation system that would benefit Nigerians.

He equally called for more investment that would translate into a better share of the transportation landscape by the government in public sector transportation to reduce modular (single passenger vehicles) on the roads, encourage reduction in carbon emission and a better standards of living and a healthy populace.

At the opening ceremony, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Governor, Lagos State, affirmed that Lagos State has been at the forefront of investment in a technological driven multi-modal transportation system to address the technical challenges in the transport sector.

The governor, who was represented by Mrs. Folashade Jaji, Secretary to the State Government, reiterated that the goal of the Lagos State Government is to synchronize all modes of transportation to reduce travel time in a safe and affordable way for the citizenry, adding that his administration has remained resolute in completing existing mass transit line project to cater to the growing population.

He stated that innovations such as the Cowry Card were created to synergize connectivity of the modes via centralized payment to simplify access to all mode intervention and harness economic advantage.

Sanwo-Olu explained that the Traffic Management Solution (TMS) were technology driven solutions introduced to curb excesses and recalcitrant road culture with reduced human interference on Lagos roads.

He added that over 6,000 kilometres of Metro Network Connection Fiber has been laid within the State to fast track higher bandwidth, and faster internet speed with stronger security to make Lagos a 24hr driven Smart City, assuring that his administration is open to collaboration that can aid successful reform in the transport sector.

Oladeinde believed the insight gained at the conference will contribute positively to repositioning the sector in the various states present thereby advancing the overall objective of convoking the event.

“I, therefore, enjoin all the attendees to make the most of this event as they go back to their various bases and implement the ideas and concepts discussed.

The two-day event was rounded up with a gala night with awards presented to the Lagos State Government (for its giant strides in the transportation sector), and other players who have distinguished themselves in the transportation industry.

 

No fewer than 500 teachers in primary and secondary schools in the Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area, Ogun State to be trained by the state Traffic Compliance Enforcement Agency (TRACE) on road safety initiatives to stem the rise in road traffic accidents involving pupils.

The agency said the two-day ‘Train the Trainers Training (TTT)’ would focus on effective traffic control, while those trained would be saddled with imparting the knowledge garnered to other teachers.

The TRACE’s Corps Commander/Chief Executive Commander Seni Ogunyemi, who broke the news recently, said the training was targeted at reducing child fatalities.

He said: “The Traffic Control training for teachers is actually targeted at reducing fatalities suffered by children, especially during school hours. It is our belief that when teachers are adequately informed about the rudiments of traffic control and Road safety, it will be transmitted down to the students, to reduce the ugly incidences of road crashes involving school children.

“Comparative data of the first three months of road crashes as it occurred in the last three years recently released from our agency shows a total of 518 crashes, with 163 deaths and 916 injured within the period across the state. The data shows 32 per cent of these crashes, injuries and deaths involve hapless children.

“Most of the crashes involving school children occur when coming to schools or closing from schools. It is particularly higher when crossing the roads for most of them who are inclined to crossing the road in a hurry to either get to school because they are late or want to get home early.’’

Added to this is the over-speeding and impatient nature of motorists, especially Okada riders and tricycle operators on mostly narrow and overcrowded roads, scouting for passengers and trying to outrun their fellow riders. These unhealthy road attitudes serve as precursors to road crashes involving school children.

“Another precarious challenge with school children is the fact that some do not know how to cross the roads properly.

“So, the need to have well-trained road crossers from among school teachers should be a welcomed idea, which the training programme is about to provide to the array of schools in the Ado-Odo- Ota Local Government Area and environs.

“Some private schools have taken the initiative by employing expert children crossers, but not all the schools can afford such personnel, especially government schools, so the need to carry the training of the teachers is apt at this time and should be embraced by all schools. With the success of the programme in Ado-Odo, we hope to replicate it in other parts of the state.” Ogunyemi said.

Ogunyemi added: “The programme is more of a practical one than theoretical involving other facilitators from sister agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), who will be presenting in colours the various road signs, their meanings and purposes. ‘’

“The Red Cross Society will take the teachers through the rudiment of crash victims rescue, which is a very important technique that people need to be acquainted with. The Nigeria Police will also take participants on how to incident crash cases and other legal angles.”

According to the TRACE Commander, the training is part of the  initiatives aimed at reducing the  number of crashes in Ogun last year.

Lagos State Government has assured that the fixed stock of Blue and Red Rail infrastructure will be ready by quarter four this year, with commercial operation starting by first quarter 2023. ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE writes

It’s usually hard to find the central bank of any nation excited, when monitoring efficiency of disbursed loans.

But last week, leader of the team ,Yusuf Phillip Yila, along with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) echelon on tour of projects for which it syndicated a N160 billion loan to get the two Lagos State’s rail projects off the ground, was much more so.

Yila, the Director of Development Finance, beamed a smile that soon caught on with his colleagues, who  promised to return when the project is completed, and ride on the two train systems.

They were at home with the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA),  Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, who assured that fixed infrastructure for the first phases of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue and Red lines, would be inaugurated by the fourth quarter of the year, with commercial operations taking off first quarter 2023.

Mrs Akinajo, a mechanical engineer, with experience in the United Kingdom Metro train construction and development, had exuded confidence last Thursday, as she, Yila, and his team went round the projects.

Mrs Akinajo, who received the team, made up of the Director of Risk Management Dr Blaise Ijebor, the Director of Strategy Management, Mr Clement Buari, and other top officials of a consortium of banks financing the two projects said the projects have achieved 60 per cent completion. She was confident that the contractor, Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), would not disappoint on the delivering the world-class projects.

Akinajo said projects of this size are executed in phases, assuring the CBN team that once the first phase was completed, the government would begin work on the final phase of the project.

Addressing the security of passengers and rail infrastructure, Mrs. Akinajo said the government was engaging security agencies to protect its assets as well as provide security to passengers and others plying the stations.

She said: “We would have closed circuit cameras installed around our stations to pick up any strange activities. It is a multi-faceted approach we are taking to security to ensure the security of all our people as well as our assets,” Mrs. Akinajo stated.

The LAMATA chief said both lines, when fully on stream, would provide modal alternative to about two million Lagosians who are expected to use the two rail lines, and that the integrated signalling of the lines have been calibrated to carry passengers from the stations every three minutes, and this can be further recalibrated if there are pressure to increase the frequency of the train service.

While the Red Line – Agbado to Oyingbo – would run on Diesel Motor Unit (DMU), the Red Line – Mile 2 to Marina – will run on Electric Motor Unit (EMU).

She said the agency would soon begin serious advocacy on the Mile 2 – Marina line because of its risk to life once it fully takes off, to protect them against the risk of electrocution as a result of the high voltage that would pass through the corridor, which is out at a minimum of 700MW.

On the Red Line, she said the eight railway stations on the corridor were at various stages of completion, adding that at most sites, the form works – were at advanced stages of completion.

The stations on the Red Line are to be sited at Oyingbo, Yaba, Mushin, Ikeja, Agege, Iju and Agbado, and Oshodi, which would be integrated with the  multi-level transit interchange at the sprawling transit hub, while the Blue Line is to have five stations – at Mile 2, Alaba, Iganmu, National Theatre and Marina, which would be a transit interchange.

She said four of the stations on the Blue Line corridor were at 98 percent completion.

At the Ikeja Train Station for instance, a fly over bridge measuring one million metres, the length is being constructed, with 700 metres that takes off from the Ikeja Along Bus Stop to Medical Road Junction, while another 300 metres long flyover begins from Computer Village, terminating at Anifowoshe Junction inner Ikeja, with the intention of taking human and vehicular impact off the level crossing at Ikeja.

Akinajo further said the government would establish a Depot and Stabling Yard at Oyingbo and Agbado for fueling, servicing and maintenance for the rolling stock that would be deployed in the corridor.

At Ikeja, Agege, Oshodi, Yaba, Mushin and Oyingbo, the government, she said, is thinking of bringing Transit Oriented Developments (TOD), that would encourage park and ride, Non-Motorised Transport (NMT), and multi-level car parks, as well as shopping arcades, that would be open corporate entities facilitating and making commerce easily accessible thereby discouraging street trading, and illegal street parking among others.

When fully operational, the state’s train service would be integrated into the electronic single payment mode, by making use of the Cowry card, being used on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and the waterways ferry services.

She said the Ikeja station is a four-level structure with a 500-metre skywalk that would link the train station to the Local Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

Akinajo also said the government had started paying compensation to  the affected persons, adding that for the first  time, payments were made not only to land/property owners, but also tenants and traders whose sheds were affected by the project.

Yila and his team were impressed. He said: “We are impressed by what my colleagues and I have seen. There has been much progress from what we saw last year. Most importantly, I am impressed with the amount of jobs that have been created for Nigerians.”

He described the project as” world- class,” adding: “Sometimes next year, we would come and take a ride and I hope many more states would take a cue from what Lagos State Government is doing to create modal options for the people as well as provide jobs.

“As an engineer, I know the enormous amount of work that has gone into this project and we must commend the state government for pushing the project to this level. We have seen the level of the structure. Most of the multi-level edifices are already in place and installation of fittings will soon begin.

“We have been told by the Managing Director of LAMATA that construction will be completed by year end and commercial operation will commence by first quarter 2023. We look forward to that promise, because we know the enormous impact this would have on transportation in the state.”

Yila, who observed that the state is under enormous transportation pressure, said the state is already over-burdened and the two trains would provide the needed relief.

“We have toured the Blue Light rail project late last year and we are happy at the pace of development. Now we are here at Ikeja, which is a major station on the Red Line corridor, and we are satisfied with the pace of work.

“Lagos is like a mini Nigeria and the economic nerve centre of the nation. We can all see how people are just moving into the state and the insecurity in the Northeast and Northwest is not helping matters. So this will go a long way in bringing relief to residents living in the state and assist Lagos in managing traffic in the metropolis.

The CBN under its Differentiated Cash Reserve Requirement (DCRR) pooled together six commercial banks to provide funding for the completion of the first phases of the Blue and Red Rail line projects.

Under the programme, the banks may request from the CBN, a release of funds under their CRR to finance the eligible projects as well as evidence that the funds are directed at the projects approved by the CBN.

Under the scheme First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Zenith Bank and UBA are providing funding for the Red Line while Sterling Bank, Access Bank and Fidelity Bank are funding the Blue line.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Thursday said it is financing the Lagos State blue line rail project with a total of N110 billion under its Real Sector Support Facility (RSSF) Differentiated Cash Reserve Requirement (DCRR) intervention fund.

 

 

Attachments area

 

As divergent views trailed the total ban of commercial motor cycles in six local government areas and nine Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos, experts say the statewide ban being envisaged should presage the take-off of the state’s transport policy, writes ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE writes

Seven days. That is all that remains for any recalcitrant motor cyclists to look for another lucrative area to ply his trade, following the total ban of their operation in six local governments and nine local council development area in Lagos State.

Rising from a state security council meeting last week, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu did what was to most people “most unthinkable”, a total ban on okada operations in six local governments and the nine LCDAs in these councils.

Not unexpected though, because in September 2019, riding of the perceived excesses of these operators, Sanwo-Olu at a ceremony marking his 100 days in office, had announced a partial ban on same local governments and LCDAs from which the new directive totally banned their operations.

The order was, however, put in abeyance due by the advent of COVID-19 and its attendant devastating consequences.

However, the mindless murder of 37-year-old David Imoh, a sound engineer, in the Lekki area of Lagos triggered the government’s resolve to stamp out cyclists in the state.

These local government areas are Ikeja, Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Surulere, Apapa and Lagos Island, while the LCDAs carved out from these councils from which operating motor cyclists are forbidden are Onigbongbo, Ojodu, Ikoyi-Obalende, and Iru-Victoria Island. Others are Lagos Island East, Itire-Ikate, Coker-Aguda, Iganmu and Yaba.

Like before, the ban foreclosed the reopening of the e-hailing operations by some corporate bodies which had invested massively in the comercial motor cycle sub-sector providing commuting service to stressed out commuters, clarifications from the Commissioner of Police Mr Abiodun Alabi and Commissioner of Information and Strategy Mr Gbenga Omotoso said the ban does not include power bikes and those in the cargo business.

Alabi was to add that when the directive fully comes on stream, both the rider and passenger, caught on any of the prohibited routes would be prosecuted.

 

Not totally new

 

The ban and re-ban dance of the government is not totally new. In fact, such was the shock when total ban was announced last week that cross section of residents feel its time government should stop playing yoo-yoo with policies of the state on very sensitive sectors like transportation.

The onslaught on okada operation started with the Babatunde Fashola administration, when he stopped the practice of distributing okada as empowerment tools by state actors (either the executive or legislative), to their unemployed youth constituents.

He was to follow this with putting a stop to distributing helmets to riders and mandating its compulsory adornment by riders and their passengers in the state. When the okada operators counsel, the late Bamidele Aturu, sued the government for what they termed “unlawful act”, the government came with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, which came into effect on August 22, 2012, and which was amended six years later, under which okada operations were prohibited in some local governments, highways, bridges, and virtually on the BRT lanes.

Though Fashola went all out to enforce the law against the common will, the little successes of the administration by his successor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, to follow through, paved way for the massive proliferation, because though the okada operators were still being arrested and their bikes impounded, same sooner than later still found their ways back into the system by corrupt elements, who make a mine of the loopholes in the policy.

What staggers imagination of many is that a decade after the Lagos State Traffic Law came into effect, the government still battles to stamp them out and the okada operators have operated as outlaws.

Security operatives will argue that a major error was in the partial ban. They argued that a full ban on all roads is easier to enforce that the partial ban. Thus with the latest ban, enforcement is expected on all major and inner city roads in all the 15 councils listed in the schedule.

But are residents enjoying the frustration of fruitless enforcement of its law on okada by the government?

Jide Adeyemo, a resident, believes regardless of the vicious impact of COVID-19, the state has continued to show lack of capacity or willingness to enforce its laws. According to him, if it took 10 years to skirt round the same issue, anyone believing that this ban would be effective or the ban will soon be statewide in a phased enforcement is living in delusion?

He quipped that many like him, have been forced to accept the reality of the okada operators, despite their known menace.

“Since the government has been going back and forth on the full implementation of its law, I have come to accept the existence of okada as a necessary component on the road and have been living with it. I no longer bother whether they will stamp them out today, soon, or never, since the government never got round to doing anything anyway,” Adeyemo whose office is in a choice part of Ikeja said.

For Adeyemo and others like him, the okada operator are in a republic of their own and have become such a force that upon the latest ban pronouncement, a section of the Hausa community had urged a rethink by government pledging to shock the government with “massive vote in the coming 2023 poll.”

But should a mega city like Lagos habour an okada operation? Many transportation planners in the state have continued to argue that okada is in no way acceptable as a means of transportation. They held that regardless of the argument that the okada operators proliferate as a result of bad roads, traffic congestion, growing demands of urbanisation and megacity pressures, the two-wheel transportation mode is not needed on Lagos roads.

These are compounded by the growing level of insecurity and the tendency for criminalities by operators. Within the logistics and transportation community, it is common knowledge that they proliferates and are still tolerated. They wondered that 55 years after its creation, Lagos, despite its megacity status as the government’s overarching ambition to turn it into a smart, 24-hour city, the state has refused to berth a transportation policy/master plan.

 

Justifications

 

Is there any reason  the government must ban cyclists in the state? The government even as at 2019 had inundated residents with statistics that made banning cyclists inexcusable.

At the Igbobi Orthopedic Hospital, a ward, prior to 2012, was dedicated to cyclists accident victims. Same goes for the government hospitals as well as private and trado-medical facilities which are usually crammed.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) statistics as at 2012, showed that no fewer than 107 persons died of okada accidents every day, while 512 persons sustained various injuries. According to the statistics, 442 okada accidents were recorded daily in the state in 2012 alone. These figures LASTMA stated must have undoubtedly quadrupled.

The then Lagos State Police Commissioner, Umaru Manko, accused commercial bike operators of robbery. For him, it was either they were the criminals or they colluded with criminals for quick get-away.

The police had profiled cyclists as the single most dangerous phenomenon in the state then. Security reports showed that most cases of mugging and burgling are carried out with okada. The profiling many would argue remained so, a decade after.

Secretary of the Lagos State Parks and Garages Management Agency (LSPGMA) and a past Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation Dr Taiwo Salaam, said the state had no record of okada, as a form of transportation business until the dawn of the Fourth Republic. He argued that the operators must be muzzled by the force of law and replaced by public buses.

However, a school of thought argued that until the government fully roll out its public transportation alternative, it must continue to accommodate okada operators in a “phased enforcement”. They argued that continued degeneration of basic infrastructure especially roads have seen continued to make the case for okada operation compelling as it has become saving grace for many residents in times of utmost emergency, not minding the tendency of many to be the harbinger of evil.

Same 2012, the state roiled in shock when a truck load of 135 youths and 45 okada was arrested by the Police at Agege. The truck from Jigawa, had brought the men into Lagos to “eke out a living on okada business”. Residents and even government attested that the number of illegal migrants into Lagos have been on the rise. Statistics showed 200 migrants come into Lagos daily, many of who end up on the road, as either fruit mongers, okada riders, security guards and maids among others.

Former Dean of the Lagos State University School of Transportation (LASU-SOT) Prof Samuel Odewunmi posting on his Facebook Timeline urged residents to support the government and stop patronizing okada operators in all the local governments where their operations had been banned.

“If demand begins to shrink, supply will reduce and finally dry up,” he urged, adding that transportation planning would continue to fail until the people queue behind the government.

 

Better options coming

Commissioner for Transportation Dr Frederic Oladeinde said: “Government adopted the phased ban in order not to cause major upheavals in the transport pattern of the people. The First and the Last Mile buses have been deployed on all the councils listed out for the pilot enforcement and as government deploys more of these alternatives, in rail, buses and water vessels, the more we will extend the phases to cover until the whole state is covered.”

 

 

Weekly, traffic agencies’ officials across the country, especially in Lagos, are attacked by irate motorists. ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE writes

The attack, a week ago, on Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) officials by a mob on Airport Road in Oshodi, was one too many for Lagos traffic officers whose job  has made them endangered species.

VIS officials, while trying to apprehend a truck driver, who violated the traffic law, on Airport Road, were attacked by the mob with dangerous weapons such as iron rods, wheel spanners, and cutlasses. The men were saved by officers of the state taskforce.

However, two officials sustained  injuries and the government has vowed that the truck driver and a member of the mob apprehended by the taskforce would be prosecuted.

The latest was an attack too many on various arms of security operatives, especially those related to traffic control, who are daily faced with threats to life as they apply themselves to their jobs.

In another instance, a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer, Victor Awotola, was stabbed and his throat slit by a minibus driver over enforcement of traffic rules.

Last year, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), who holds a doctorate in Law, was wasted at Ajao Estate, when he led a team of officers to keep the peace during a mob act in the area last year.

Some time ago, a LASTMA Assistant Commander was stoned to death at Apapa, by unidentified truckers in his attempt to restore discipline in the traffic gridlock in Apapa.

Somewhere in Ikorodu, a LASTMA official had his eyes gorged out by a minibus operator in the line of duty.

Across the state, traffic officials – Police Traffic Wardens, VIS and LASTMA are facing life-threatening challenges as they enforce the law and restore discipline on the roads.

Lagos VIS Director Akin George Fashola had repeatedly urged cordial relationship between the civil populace and the government enforcement gangs, whether Police, VIS or LASTMA officials.

Fashola said the government would continue to enforce its laws.

For him, “the government will continue to enforce laws against defaulters. We can continue to appeal to our people to obey traffic regulations and its laws to prevent total breakdown of law and order”.

LASTMA General Manager Mr. Bolaji Oreagba, who decried the incessant attacks on his men, said the government would prosecute anyone caught assaulting LASTMA official.

Oreagba said LASTMA officials were responsible citizens of the state with families.

The LASTMA chief said the agency was being attacked by the same people they are paid to serve.

A driver, Sulaiman Olasunkanmi, who plies Secretariat-Ojodu Berger route, however, said LASTMA officers were the cause of the attacks. Some of them, he said, were out to milk motorists and not to manage traffic.

He said: “Many a time, motorists are apprehended for “flimsy infractions” that in other climes would not warrant any booking or ticketing and even when the booking is done, these men would threaten to impound your vehicle if you do not negotiate with them. It is no longer secret that many of them operate pseudo accounts to which they force defaulters to pay in money. Some have been caught following their victims to banks to make withdrawals for the fines slammed on them.”

But, a sociologist, Yemi Adeyemo, said the issues went deeper and must be so recognised, if an amicable solution must be found to incessant attacks on traffic officers.

Adeyemo said the average transport operator saw traffic officers as enemies.

Adeyemo, who lectures at  a private university in Lagos, said most commercial bus drivers and operators of commercial motor cycles and tricycles, were daily-paid workers who get paid after settling the owners of their vehicles. They, therefore, get on edge when they are apprehended to pay fines.

A medical psychologist, Thomas Andrew, said the root of violent clashes between transport operators and the government could not be divulged from the makeup of typical operators, most of who see violence as “a needed virtue” for anyone who wishes to succeed as a transport operator.

“There is this street acceptance that no one can successfully dabble into commercial transport operation without a small measure of “madness”, which, usually, is fuelled by hard drugs, alcohol and others.

“Violence occupies daily discussions and interaction of many residents of Lagos and in particular transport operators. It is commonplace to find them violently abusing/cursing and threatening to kill or maim. These “rage” are carried to the road and meted on LASTMA or other official, who attempts to drive discipline down their throat on the road”.

He recommended regular conduct of psychological/psychiatric assessment, especially on commercial transport operators for government to achieve sanity. This, he said, is besides regular training and retraining for the rank and file on the right etiquette by its road officials.

But a transport expert, Patrick Adenusi, said the solution is the integration of public sector transportation. For him, until the government increased its presence in the transportation space, the  operators would continue to react to attempts to make them comform to the laws.

He said when commuters see cleaner, safer and better alternatives, the demand for their operations would plummet and once the pressure was no longer on them, they can be isolated.

According to him, while right- thinking Nigerians must condemn the assault  by transport operators  on government officials, maiming and killing them.

GIG Mobility (GIGM), a tech-enabled mobility company, under the management and leadership of Greatman Legend (formally GIG Group) has announced the appointment of Enahoro Okhae as Chief Executive Officer for GIGM.

Enahoro will drive the company’s strategic objectives while focusing on creating an agile and innovative culture that promotes proactive responses to emerging trends, changing market conditions and the dynamic needs of consumers in the digital age.

He brings over 16 years of senior leadership experience working with leading brands. In his new role, Enahoro will further position the company for the next phase of growth while building an aligned team with a disruptive productive mindset across the diverse cadets within GIGM.

“I believe that GIGM is ready to move from its founders, and engaging on actionable steps to strengthen our goal to provide innovative and disruptive products as well as build an empowered and efficient workforce is something we are committed to at GIGM. Enahoro brings unquantifiable experience to this role and will drive value for all stakeholders through his leadership and initiatives.

Read Also: GIGM strikes another first as App integrates non-mobility features

“I am delighted that we were able to get him to embrace the long-term vision of GIGM as he takes on this new role,” said Chidi Ajaere, CEO, Greatman Legend.

Following the appointment of a new CEO and an expanded senior leadership team, the mobility-based company is focused on building tech-focussed solutions that promote shared ownership of GIGM with customers as well as simplify daily transactions. A recent innovation is the deployment of a self check in system powered by technology.

Commenting on his new role, Enahoro said: “technology has been pivotal in positioning GIGM as an industry leader, and technology will be the premise on which the company will continue to lead the industry.

“The digital age is primarily characterized by customer-first features with crucial attention paid to customized services. This new dispensation will focus on implementing future-proof business strategies while integrating more lifestyle features into the GIGM application enabling users to “do things freely while moving freely.

The new CEO also seized the opportunity to share his vision with the public as he takes over the leadership.

According to him: “Mobility is beyond movement; it is about the ability to move easily and unhindered irrespective of the channel; land, rail, water, air or virtual/augmented reality.

“While moving freely, people should also be able the things freely. This is the new renaissance of GIGM and the bedrock upon which we will embed more lifestyle features in the existing customer app.”

Enahoro also hinted that he would address the generic challenge of maintaining high service delivery standards, which could deter growing businesses if not handled foundationally.

“GIGM is executing plans to increase the company’s value, offerings and reach, and as a team, we look forward to this new Chapter of the GIGM story.

” I am excited to continue working on meaningful products that create value for users while also strengthening my capacity,” he concluded.