Lagos State has intensified efforts to address the growing threat posed by dilapidated commercial vehicles, warning that they pose serious risks to public safety.
In a recent statement, the Director of the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), Mr. Akin-George Fashola, urged residents to avoid boarding unsafe vehicles, citing expired tires, weak brakes, and rusted body parts as major hazards.
Fashola described these vehicles as “ticking time bombs” and warned that many of them had been linked to numerous accidents, often resulting in loss of lives, injuries, and property damage.
“We’ve recently impounded several rickety vehicles for failing to meet safety standards. These vehicles are often a major cause of road crashes in the state,” Fashola said. “Issues like unstable tires, makeshift repairs on brakes, and rusted body compartments are dangerous, making these vehicles unfit for commercial use.”
The crackdown targets the widespread use of second-hand vehicles, with statistics showing that 92% of the vehicles on Nigerian roads are either second or third-hand, many of which are in poor condition.
Fashola emphasized that seized vehicles would not be returned to service, underscoring the need for safer alternatives on Lagos roads.
The state’s transportation ministry is working with transport unions to enforce regulations and improve the safety of commercial vehicles.
Lagos residents, particularly commuters, have long expressed concerns about the deteriorating condition of the famous yellow buses, many of which operate in various states of disrepair.
Passenger Kayode Funsho shared his frustration: “Do we really have a choice to reject any vehicle? After all, I do not have a car, so I have to manage the rickety buses no matter the condition.”
He also called for government intervention to support unemployed individuals in purchasing buses through installment plans.
As the rising cost of vehicle maintenance continues to affect owners and drivers alike, the economic burden is proving to be a significant challenge.
Spare parts dealers across the country report steep price hikes, with parts like shock absorbers and tires rising by over 300% due to high import costs.
Fashola also reminded the public to report any sightings of rickety vehicles via the VIS complaint email or through the Ministry of Transportation hotlines.
