14th June, 2012
Motorists in Lagos on Wednesday attributed the current reduction in traffic jams in the metropolis to the effect of the newly established Lagos Traffic Radio — 96.1 FM.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state-owned Lagos Traffic Radio was commissioned on May 29 by Governor Raji Fashola to monitor traffic and safety matters in the state.
The station, believed to be the first traffic radio in Nigeria, is to educate motorists in the state on transportation, traffic news, alerts and diversions.
A cross section of motorists who spoke to NAN observed that the station has helped in educating them on the traffic situation in every part of the metropolis.
They said that the radio station was giving adequate information on the traffic situation in the state, thereby making motorists to use alternative routes in case of any gridlock.
A civil servant, Mr. Fidelis Okolie, said that the traffic radio has helped him and other motorists to plan their movements in the metropolis.
“I listen regularly to the traffic radio before living my house or office daily and it has been of immense help to me because I usually beat the traffic to get to my destination on time,” Okolie said.
Another motorists and a businesswoman, Mrs. Boluwatife Salami, said that since the introduction of the radio station, the roads in the metropolis had been relatively free, especially at this rainy season when traffic gridlock were expected to occur more often.
“I pray that the (radio) station will not relent in giving adequate and correct information, and continue to help in easing traffic problems in the state,” Salami said.
Commercial bus operators, Mr. Tajudeen Akomolafe and Tunde Idris, appealed to the station to include other Nigerian languages in its transmission.
“Since the radio is for all motorists, illiterates should be considered in its transmission, because not all of us understand the English language.
“So, for us (commercial drivers) to be carried along, since we are always on the roads, pidgin and local languages should be used by the radio in its transmission,” they said.