Gov Sanwo-Olu gives enforcement order against drunk driving, uncertified drivers
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday 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 the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation and Logistics, Mr. 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.
Speaking at the event, Adekoya said the initiative was driven by the governor’s commitment to the safety of lives and the protection of public infrastructure.
“As we wrap up this phase of the Drivers’ Care Initiative today, we want to appreciate Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, our visionary leader, for his care and love.
“All we want to achieve is the safety of lives and the preservation of government infrastructure, and that is why we brought this initiative to the drivers,” the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation and Logistics stated.
He warned that enforcement would now begin in full, stressing that driving under the influence of alchohol would no longer be tolerated in Lagos State.
“Immediately after this sensitisation, there will be total enforcement. It is no longer allowed for anyone to drive in Lagos State while intoxicated.
“The ministry will be clamping down on any driver involved in substance abuse, and drivers who do not have LASDRI certification will be required to go to the institute to get certified,” Adekoya added.
Also speaking at the event, the General Manager of the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI), Mrs. Tiamiyu Afusat, disclosed that the agency was close to meeting its target of retraining 2,000 drivers under the current phase of the programme.
“You mentioned that the government gave us the mandate to meet up with 2,000 drivers. Today is the last day.
“Even though we have been able to get about 1,700 so far, I believe by the end of the day, we are going to meet the number,” she said while responding to questions from journalists.
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.
“Public education and public enlightenment are key to road safety. With this initiative, I believe the mindset of drivers will have been changed.
“We have been able to tell them their do’s and don’ts and what is better for them to do on the road to be safer drivers,” she explained.
She added that participants also underwent eye and vision tests, describing the exercise as crucial to safe driving.
“We did eye tests and vision screening, which are very germane to driving. Putting everything together, I believe we are going to see different drivers—drivers who will drive defensively and make life safer on our roads at the end of this programme,” she said.
On LASDRI’s specific role, the General Manager said the institute focused on re-education and re-training of drivers to improve driving standards across the state.
“Ours is a training institute for drivers. What we brought to this programme is re-educating and re-training them to be better, well-informed drivers who will do the right thing to make Lagos safe for all citizens,” she noted.
She further revealed that the state government waived the usual ₦7,000 fee for the programme as part of an empowerment and community engagement drive.
“It is the government’s form of empowerment. Instead of them paying money, the government did it free of charge. It’s a very good and laudable programme,” she said.
On re-certification, Afusat confirmed that beneficiaries would receive official cards within 48 hours.
“They are not getting an ordinary paper. They will get a classic re-certification card, proudly sponsored by Mr. Governor,” she added.
She stressed the importance of the governor’s passion for the welfare of Lagosians. She also informed the approval for free eye tests and free eyeglasses for drivers participating in the programme.
“At LASDRI, we train drivers. We are a training institute for drivers. Today, the LASDRI programme is free of charge instead of the usual ₦7,000,” an official said.
The Drivers’ Care Initiative forms part of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s broader efforts to reduce road accidents, improve driving culture, and ensure safer roads across Lagos, as authorities prepare to begin strict enforcement against drunk driving, substance abuse, and uncertified drivers statewide.
