In commemoration of the annual United Nation Global Road Safety Week, the Lagos State Government has assured residents that it will continue to put in place measures that will help curb road accidents.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola gave this assurance in Alausa, while speaking on the significance of the Year 2023 Global Road Safety Week, which urged policymakers to “Rethink Mobility ” and make public transport safe and secure for its citizenry.
According to a statement signed on Friday by Bolanle Ogunlola (Mrs) Deputy Director, Public Affairs of the State Ministry of Transportation, Toriola said the essence of the road safety campaign is to encourage motorists to follow the stipulated traffic rules and regulations in order to reduce road accidents, saying it is on the premise the United Nation adopted Decade of Action for Road Safety Strategy with a view to curbing at least 50% of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted the five pillars of the UN adopted policy to include; road safety management, safer vehicles, safer road users, post-crash response, and safer driving environments.
Toriola opined that the State Government, through its Drivers’ Institute has continued to train and retrain drivers to ensure they meet requisite requirements before they are allowed to drive, adding that Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centers have also been established across the State for routine checks on safety of vehicles before they are issued Roadworthiness Certificate.
Speaking further, the Transport Permanent Secretary averred that the State Government is also investing in alternative modes of transportation hence, it has continued to develop its inland waterways, deploying more boats and creating jetties, stressing that the Blue and Red line rails will contribute in no small measure to taking pressure off the roads when they commence passenger operations.
He also mentioned that all the alternative modes of transportation are being integrated to develop a Multi-modal Transport System that is safe and convenient. He urged citizens to take ownership of the road furniture and infrastructures being put in place by the State Government.
