- arrests recalcitrant drivers at Ojodu Berger
By Seyi Babalola
Activities of the yellow buses at Ojodu Berger inward and outward Lagos, was this evening stalled as the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, alongside the Ministry of Transportation’s Traffic Enforcement Team, carried out an unscheduled comprehensive enforcement exercise.
The exercise was to address the issue of commuter vehicles utilizing lay-bys as bus garage, thereby contributing to traffic congestion and inconvenience for the public.
The Commissioner personally supervised the operation to ensure that public transportation facilities are used as intended and to alleviate traffic issues in the Ojodu-Berger area. He ensured that lay-bys, which had been permanently converted into bus parks by mini-buses popularly known as ‘Korope,’ were all cleared.
Addressing the bus drivers at the location, Osiyemi warned public transport operators in other parts of the state, who engage in such practices to desist as it will soon be their turn in the ongoing enforcement.
The Transport Commissioner reemphasized the Ministry’s commitment to improving travel experience for commuters and motorists in the state.
He said: “The actions taken in Ojodu Berger and at Otedola Bridge demonstrate our resolve to enhance transportation infrastructure and ensure the safety and convenience of the public”.
While addressing the issue of unregistered and unpainted vehicles, he advised such vehicle owners to do the needful or face the consequences of their actions in line with the Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
While carrying out the enforcement exercise at Ojodu Berger, a 33,000-litre tanker carrying diesel overturned at the Otedola Bridge, resulting in the spillage of its contents. This unfortunate event led to traffic congestion and warranted immediate attention.
The Commissioner and his team promptly inspected the scene of the incident, and supervised relevant agencies and authorities to ensure that the situation was brought under control. Safety measures and traffic management procedures were implemented to minimize the impact of the highly flammable spillage and ease the traffic congestion.
Among those who accompanied the commissioner on the enforcement are; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Wale Musa, the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr .Bolaji Oreagba; and the Director of the Lagos State Vehicle Service, Engr. Akin-George Fashola, LASTMA/VIS Personnel and Officers of the Nigeria Police Force.