24th September, 2012
The Lagos State Government has begun mobilisation of its 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas, LCDAs, for the enforcement of the new traffic law.
To that effect, a stakeholders’ meeting was held with chairmen and representatives of the state’s 57 councils on the new law at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, southwest Nigeria, last Thursday.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademorin Kuye, said it was meant to partner with the LGs and LCDAs to enforce the new road traffic law and sought the cooperation of the councils.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Justice Reform, Lanre Akinsola earlier enlightened the stakeholders on the new law, stating the consequences for violation and why the government decided to enact the law.
Chairman, Conference of 57 Councils, Hakeem Sulaiman said the councils were committed to the success of the new law, saying that “if we must have a good society, we must start with this law because the reckless manner people comport themselves on wheels calls for concern.
“We should go back to our councils and inform others on the new law. We should help government in spreading information about this law,”he said.
Head of Service, HOS, Adesegun Ogunlewe called for obedience of the new law, stressing that laws were meant to ensure orderliness in the society, adding that for anybody to enforce the law, such a person must be conversant with the law.
According to him, traffic and enforcement officers must be well grounded on the law before they could enforce it.
“This event is to let you know there is a law in place. Your not understanding the law undermines your authority as enforcement officers to enforce the law. Enforcement officers must understand the law in totality.
“All our dispatch riders must comply with the law by using 200 cc engine. Professional drivers must comply, being certified by the drivers’ institute. We need to sensitise our community. Government has given a moratorium period where no enforcement is being carried out. Government’s intention is not to punish anybody but ensure that all obey the law,” he stated.
Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Oluranti Adebule added that it was not enough for government to build roads without the necessary laws in place to regulate motorists and others who used the roads.
“We implore all local governments and LCDAs to sensitise the people in their domains. Pass the message across to your people,” she said.
Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa said government was ready to enforce the law in conjunction with the Nigeria Police, saying that “as soon as the police get the go ahead, you will not see okada on the roads again. The public should not wait until we apply the law.”
“We have been spending lots of money to sensitise people on the new law. Government has the capacity to have begun enforcement of the law the day it was signed. LASTMA, Neighbourhood Watchers, Civil Defence, police and others are prepared to enforce the law,” he stated.