Traffic Management: MOT, Frsc Explore Areas Of Partnership
Lagos State Ministry of Transportation and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) are to explore areas of partnership, including joint patrol that will involve officials of Vehicle Inspection Services (VIS), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and FRSC as part of efforts to rid Lagos of perennial traffic gridlock.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, who disclosed this during a courtesy visit to his office by Mr. Hyginus Omeje, the Lagos State Sector Commander of FRSC, said that managing traffic in Lagos requires all agencies with related responsibility to act in unison rather than at cross purpose.
He emphasized that synergy among traffic and security agencies will serve to boost the ability to sanction erring motorists, especially as a significant number of motorists and vehicles lack necessary papers to be on the road.
He stated that the State Government is receptive to ideas that will assist her in resolving the traffic logjam, adding that transportation is at the heart of the State economy and cannot be taken for granted.
While noting that attitude plays a major part in the traffic gridlock on the roads, the Special Adviser urged drivers and commuters to exercise patience when driving.
Earlier in his remark, the Sector Commander suggested that the establishment of a joint patrol team will address both the quality of vehicles on the road as well as ensure prompt adherence to the demands of the State’s traffic law and other extant laws.
He called for an expanded state security council, as in the case in Edo State, to include other agencies so that cross cutting issues which make up the security apparatus will be handled.
The Sector Commander also suggested the establishment of a mobile court which will try all traffic offenders arrested by the joint team.
While noting that Lagos State is at the forefront of providing effective transport management in Nigeria, he cited the creation of  LASTMA and Motor Vehicle Administration Authority/Agency (MVAA) and the automation of process of licenses as critical steps taken by the State which are now being copied by other States.
He however urged the State Government to look into the issue of abandoned vehicles, noting that such vehicles were contributing security risk.