Lagos Concludes Four-Day Drivers’ Care Initiative, Signals Stricter Traffic Enforcement
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Lagos State Government has concluded a four-day Drivers’ Health and Safety Programme, providing free medical screenings, recertification training and substance abuse awareness to thousands of commercial drivers across the state, while warning that strict enforcement of traffic regulations will follow.
The initiative, which began on Monday, targeting 10000 drivers across the State, started at Lilypond Terminal in Apapa, with aim to promote driver welfare, road safety and professional standards within Lagos’ transport sector.
Subsequent sessions were held at Eleko Junction in Ibeju-Lekki and Obalende Motor Park, before concluding on Thursday at Iyana-Iba in Ojo Local Government Area.
Speaking during the closing phase of the programme, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation and Logistics, Comrade Hassan Adekoya, said the exercise reflected the administration’s commitment to protecting lives, property and public infrastructure.
“Our drivers are the backbone of Lagos’ transport system. Healthy and alert drivers make our roads safer and our economy stronger,” Adekoya said.
“Immediately after this sensitisation phase, there will be total enforcement. It will no longer be acceptable to drive in Lagos State without full compliance with traffic laws and regulations.”
He added that the government would clamp down on drivers operating under the influence of substances or without proper recertification from the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI).
According to him, the programme offered a window of opportunity for drivers to regularise their documentation and undergo mandatory retraining.
As part of the initiative, drivers received free eye examinations, drug screening, medical consultations and corrective glasses where required. LASDRI also provided free retraining and recertification, waiving fees previously charged for the process.
The General Manager of LASDRI, Mrs Afusat Tiamiyu, said the agency’s role was to re-educate and retrain drivers to improve professional competence and promote defensive driving.
“Public education and enlightenment are key to road safety. Through this initiative, we are reinforcing drivers’ understanding of their responsibilities, their obligations and safe driving practices,” she said.
“Recertified drivers will receive official certification cards within 48 hours, at no cost to them, as sponsored by the state government.”
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also partnered in the programme, delivering substance abuse awareness sessions and counselling. The Deputy Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Lagos Command, Titilope Ogunluyi, said the agency’s involvement focused on drug demand reduction through education and prevention.
“Prevention is better than cure. By sensitising drivers on the dangers of illicit drug use, we are promoting safer roads and protecting the wider public,” she said, noting that the NDLEA continues to combine enforcement with community-based education.
In addition to health checks and training, drivers benefited from free ATM cards and other support services aimed at enhancing financial inclusion.
Beneficiaries welcomed the initiative. Yusuf Ashiru, a commercial driver with 13 years’ experience, said receiving free corrective glasses would significantly improve his driving.
“This could have cost me a lot of money. The programme will help reduce accidents and keep drivers healthy. We hope the government continues it so more drivers can benefit,” he said.
The Lagos State Government described the initiative as part of its broader commitment to social inclusion, public safety and the professional development of transport operators, while reiterating that stricter monitoring and enforcement of traffic and safety regulations will now be intensified across the state.
Nurudeen Zubair Chairman, Iyana-Oba International Park (ECOWAS), one of the beneficiaries said, “Today, we sincerely appreciate the Lagos State Government for giving us this free opportunity for eye care services, medical check-ups, and eyeglasses. Many drivers also received support through this initiative.
We are grateful to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for making this programme available to us. It is indeed a great opportunity. If someone were to purchase these eyeglasses at the hospital, it would cost a significant amount of money, but today we received them free of charge.
During the programme, our drivers were also educated on important safety measures — such as avoiding smoking and drinking while driving. These lectures are very important for our safety and that of our passengers.
We thank God for this opportunity, and we sincerely appreciate Governor Sanwo-Olu for supporting us, keeping us happy, and looking after the welfare of drivers in the state. We are very grateful.”
Omorete Williams Commercial Vehicle Driver on his part said, “This initiative is something people like us truly need, and it is important for the country as a whole. Many drivers require eyeglasses to correct their vision but cannot afford them.
This programme has given many people the opportunity to improve their eyesight and continue working safely. It is a wonderful initiative, and we would like to see programmes like this continue in the future.”
