The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has announced that it has impounded over 100 vehicles whose drivers violated the social distancing rule put in place yo curb the spread of COVID-19.
The gradual easing of the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and the FCT had been announced by President Muhammadu Buhari, and it went into effect on Monday, May 4, 2020.
Following the announcement from the President, the Lagos State government consequently disclosed new transport guidelines, which included social distancing in vehicles, compulsory use of face masks and other safety precautions to halt the spread of the virus.
Speaking to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the enforcement activities by LASTMA on Tuesday May 5, 2020, the General Manager, Mr. Olajide Oduyoye, blamed the transport unions’ management for failing to sensitize their members properly.
He said:
What we noticed is that the transport unions and bus park managers are not passing the message of maximum of two passengers per row in their buses; and that needs to change.
While we corrected and educated no fewer than 200 drivers on Monday, it gives concern that the citizenry in general were interested in getting to their destinations more than their health and existence.
They failed to ask themselves real questions: this journey I want to embark upon, what value is it to me or my life? Can it wait? Can it be achieved in other ways than traveling on the road?
Meanwhile, LASTMA was able to arrest over 100 vehicles, particularly commercial bus operators for violating the physical distance directive of the government.”
Oduyoye said the order on the minimum physical distancing had not in the buses had not sunk into the hearts of the operators.
He said it was more unfortunate to see many commuters fighting and arguing over the three passengers allowed in a row of danfo (buses), even when the distance between passengers is like only 4 inches.
Oduyoye further disclosed that many parents were out with their children without face masks and that private car owners in the spirit of trying to help colleagues carried three passengers at the rear, instead of just two.
He commended all enforcement officers, urging them to do more to help the state stem the spread of the virus.
