Lagos Targets Safer Roads as 10,000 Commercial Drivers Undergo Health Checks, Retraining

 

The Lagos State Government has completed a four-day Drivers’ Health and Safety Intervention Programme designed to strengthen road safety, enhance driver welfare and raise professional standards within the state’s transport sector.

The exercise, which targeted 10,000 commercial drivers, began on Monday at Lilypond Terminal in Apapa and continued at Eleko Junction in Ibeju-Lekki and Obalende Motor Park, before concluding on Thursday at Iyana-Iba in Ojo Local Government Area.

During the programme, drivers received free medical screenings, including eye tests, drug screenings and general health consultations. Corrective glasses were provided where necessary. Participants also underwent mandatory retraining and recertification by the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI), with the state government waiving all associated fees. Free ATM cards and other support services were also distributed to promote financial inclusion.

Speaking at the closing session, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation and Logistics, Comrade Hassan Adekoya, said the initiative reflects the administration’s resolve to protect lives and public infrastructure.

He described commercial drivers as critical to the state’s economy and stressed that compliance with traffic laws would now be strictly enforced.

“Following this sensitisation exercise, enforcement will be intensified. Driving in Lagos without full compliance with traffic regulations and proper recertification will no longer be tolerated,” Adekoya said, warning that drivers operating under the influence of illicit substances would face sanctions.

The General Manager of LASDRI, Mrs Afusat Tiamiyu, noted that the retraining component was aimed at improving professional competence and encouraging defensive driving habits.

“Through continuous education and reorientation, we are strengthening drivers’ understanding of safety standards and their responsibilities on the road,” she said, adding that recertified drivers would receive official certification cards within 48 hours at no cost.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also participated in the initiative, offering substance abuse awareness lectures and counselling. Deputy Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Lagos Command, Titilope Ogunluyi, said the agency prioritises prevention through education.

“By addressing drug use among drivers through sensitisation and counselling, we are contributing to safer highways and communities,” she said.

Drivers who benefited from the programme commended the state government for the intervention. Yusuf Ashiru, a commercial driver, said the free corrective glasses would improve his vision and overall safety on the road.

Nurudeen Zubair, Chairman of Iyana-Oba International Park (ECOWAS), expressed gratitude for the free eye care and medical services, noting that many drivers would otherwise struggle to afford such treatment.

Similarly, Omorete Williams, another commercial driver, described the programme as impactful, saying improved eyesight and retraining would enable drivers to operate more safely and efficiently.

The state government said the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to promote social inclusion, enhance public safety and professionalise the transport sector, with stricter monitoring and enforcement of traffic regulations set to follow.