Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Incessant killings: Stakeholders seek protection for e-hailing drivers
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered full enforcement against drunk driving, substance abuse, and the use of uncertified drivers on Lagos roads, as the state concluded a phase of its drivers’ care initiative at the Iyana-Iba Park.
The directive, according to Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation and Logistics, Hassan Adekoya, follows weeks of sensitisation and engagement with drivers across the state, stressing that the era of tolerance for dangerous driving habits is over.
Adekoya said the initiative was driven by the governor’s commitment to the safety of lives and the protection of public infrastructure.
He warned that enforcement would now begin in full, stressing that driving under the influence of alcohol would no longer be tolerated in Lagos State.
Also speaking at the event, the General Manager of the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI), Tiamiyu Afusat, disclosed that the agency was close to meeting its target of retraining 2,000 drivers under the current phase of the programme.
Afusat expressed optimism that the initiative would bring about a positive change in drivers’ attitudes and behaviour on Lagos roads, noting that public education remains critical to road safety.
She added that participants also underwent eye and vision tests, describing the exercise as crucial to safe driving.
The General Manager said the Institute focused on re-education and re-training of drivers to improve driving standards across the state.
Relatedly, amid rising cases of killings, car robberies and violent attacks targeting app-based drivers across Nigeria, stakeholders have called for urgent measures to strengthen safety, legal protection and workplace rights for digital transport workers.
They, however, stressed the need to address growing concerns over victimisation, misclassification and the increasing risks faced by drivers while providing essential services through ride-hailing platforms.
President of the African Forum for Restorative Justice, Prof. John Omole, made the call at the African Restorative Justice Summit in Abuja.
According to him, digital workers, especially the app-based drivers, deserve dignity, protection and a voice, especially when they suffer harm while providing essential services through app-based platforms.
Omole noted that many victims had remained silent for years due to fear, weak protections and unclear employment classifications within app-based platforms.
He, therefore, stressed that restorative justice offered an alternative to punitive models by focusing on dialogue, healing and shared responsibility among workers, platforms and regulators.
Also, President, Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, Damola Adeniran, said the initiative aims to strengthen the voices of app-based transport workers across sub-Saharan Africa, especially Nigeria.
Guardian
