25th September, 2022
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has warned operators/drivers of ‘LagosRide’ taxis across the state to obey the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
This is contained in a statement issued by Adebayo Taofiq, the Director, Public Affairs, LASTMA.
Mr Abiodun Amokomowo, the Chief Executive Officer of Ibile Holdings Limited (owners of ‘LagosRide’ Taxi) paid a working visit to LASTMA Headquarters at Oshodi, Lagos.
After receiving the delegation, Mr Bolaji Oreagba, the General Manager of LASTMA, issued a stern warning.
According to him, the warning has become very imperative to check the excesses of these operators/drivers who do not usually consider the safety of other road users and their penchant for disregarding traffic laws while on the road.
In his words, “Let me state here clearly that the impunity of drivers of these ‘LagosRide’ taxis driving on BRT corridors/obstructions on major roads is becoming alarming.”
“As a responsible and responsive agency of government, we no longer condone their recklessness as we shall continue to apply the full weight of the law on motorists found contravening any sections of the Traffic Laws”.
However, the General Manager commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Ibile Holdings Limited for this wonderful initiative to create jobs for the unemployed in our society.
Earlier in his address, Mr Abiodun Amokomowo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ibile Holdings Limited, said the company is an investment company of the Lagos State Government created to spur its economic growth by supporting commerce, viable and strategic industries that are crucial to the socio-economic development of the State.
He stated that as a way of ensuring the safety of riders and passengers, each ‘LagosRide’ taxi is installed with full security gadgetry, including a 360-degree dashboard camera that will give 24 hours of auto-visual feeds to the control centre in case of any emergency.
Amokomowo maintained that each driver of ‘LagosRide’ Taxi undergoes a full verification exercise which includes Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) I.D Cards, medical history, verification of NIN and Lagos resident registration numbers, and other background checks before being considered for the ‘Lease-To-Own’ Taxi scheme.
Furthermore, he commended the management of LASTMA and all field officers for the wonderful job they are doing in ensuring proper management and control of traffic on Lagos roads.