Lagos Impounds 926 Vehicles, 33 Tricycles
Segun James
Following the refusal of some motorists to adhere to the strict traffic laws operational with the Alausa Central Business District of the state capital, Ikeja, Lagos state government yesterday disclosed that over 926 vehicles and 33 tricycles were arrested and prosecuted for various traffic offences in the last one year.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on CBD, Ms Bola Olumegbon-Lawal, who made the disclosure during the ongoing ministerial press briefing to mark the second year of the second term in office of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that the offences, included illegal parking, illegal U-turns, obstruction, one-way among others.
Olumegbon-Lawal said besides the fact that Tricycles banned are from operating with the CBD, some operators still dared the government by venturing into the exclusive zone.
“Over the past year, the Lagos State CBD Office has been dedicated to enhancing the business environment and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Our vision is to transform Lagos Central Business Districts into 21st Century Business Precincts, comparable to other major cities in the developed world.
“Our mission is to provide a stress-free and conducive business environment for the benefit of shoppers, traders, and business owners through efficient and effective traffic and environmental management.”
She added: “During the period under review, a total of 926 vehicles and 33 tricycles were arrested and prosecuted for various traffic offences, including illegal parking, illegal U-turns, obstruction, one-way driving, and obstruction of traffic.”
“Three individuals were arrested and prosecuted for assaulting operatives of the CBD in the discharge of their duties,” the SA stated.
Olumegbon-Lawal also disclosed that over 400 traders were compensated by the State Governor over the fire incident that occurred at Dosunmu Market in 2024.
“The state government provided succour to business men and women who were affected by the inferno that ravaged some parts of Lagos Island Central Business District on 9th April, 2024. Affected traders were compensated as promised by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in an event that was widely reported by the Press on the 29th of August 2024.”
While the current areas of operation for the CBD cover Lagos Island, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Ikeja, the Special Adviser disclosed that on 17th of February 2025, the Governor had approved the establishment of the Apapa Central Business Office.
“The Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business Districts has continued to consolidate the gains and achievements within the Lagos Business Districts.
“Some of these consolidations are noticeable in traffic and waste management, infrastructural renewal, redevelopment, and beautification of road setbacks, sanitation, and street trading abatement.
“The agency has continued to engage in constant and sustained monitoring, control, and enforcement of traffic rules within the CBDs axis, which has led to enhanced traffic flow within the business district.”
She therefore appealed to Lagosians, especially those operating within the CBDs, to obey traffic rules and regulations and ensure that vehicles are in good condition before coming onto the roads, as statistics show that vehicle breakdowns significantly contribute to traffic issues within the business districts.”
She added: “The Lagos Island Business District has a large number of markets that generate substantial volumes of waste daily. To effectively manage this waste, the agency, in conjunction with LAWMA, ensures that efficient sanitation and cleaning mechanisms are in place within the Lagos Island CBD.”
“The agency continues to monitor the markets and ensures that the weekly sanitation exercise is carried out by traders and business owners. Community Development Associations (CDAs), market leaders, and shop owners must ensure that waste is not left unattended, and all households, business premises, and shops must have standardized waste bins for refuse collection.”
“To further drive home the message of a clean environment, the office regularly organizes advocacy and public enlightenment conducive environment within all areas designated as Central Business Districts.”
“The activities of the Lagos Central Business Districts Management Office focus mainly on improving the lives of Lagosians in line with the THEMES PLUS Agenda of this administration within the CBDs, with tremendous transformations especially in traffic management, the removal of various impediments and obstructions, improved environmental sanitation, a drastic reduction in the illegal activities of street traders, continuous renovation and rebranding, beautification and reconstruction, as well as impactful consultations with stakeholders through various advocacy programs that have become a solid platform for sharing vital information and knowledge. Hence, my presentation will align with these directions.”
