Commercial drivers in Lagos State have commended the State Government following the commencement of a free eye screening and drug testing programme across the state, alongside complimentary recertification training for 2,000 drivers.
The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to enhance road safety and improve driver welfare.
The programme was officially flagged off on Monday at the Lilypond Terminal, Ijora, Lagos. Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport and Logistics, Hon. Hassan Adekoya, said the exercise would be implemented across four major driver parks, starting with the Lilypond Terminal, before extending to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Obalende, and Iyana Iba parks.
Hon. Adekoya explained that the initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda, which prioritizes social inclusion and the wellbeing of Lagos residents. He noted that professional drivers play a vital role in the state’s economy, stressing that safeguarding their health contributes directly to safer roads.
He also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for approving free health checks for 10,000 drivers and announced that 2,000 drivers would benefit from free recertification training organized by the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI).
The General Manager of LASDRI, Mrs. Afusat Tiamiyu, affirmed that the institute is fully prepared to conduct the recertification training. She emphasized the importance of drivers in the logistics value chain and said the government’s decision to prioritize their health and professional development reflects its commitment to road safety.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Vision Spring, Mrs. Abimbola Ogundirahun, described the eye as a critical sensory organ necessary for safe driving. She commended the initiative, noting that poor eyesight can undermine road safety measures such as traffic signs and increase the risk of accidents.
She urged drivers to undergo regular eye examinations and praised the programme for providing free corrective eyeglasses to drivers diagnosed with vision defects.
The Chairman of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Lagos Chapter, Alhaji Kayode Ogunowo, advised drivers to avoid unsafe habits that could endanger lives.
He also expressed appreciation to the State Government for facilitating credit schemes that enable truck owners to acquire Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks.
A representative of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Ms. Lolade Bobagun, announced the bank’s readiness to provide banking services to drivers, including the issuance of free branded ATM cards funded by the Lagos State Government.
Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), led by Assistant Commander of Narcotics Dick Mulikat Adunni, conducted substance abuse sensitization and free drug tests during the event. Drivers were cautioned against the use of illicit substances, which could impair judgment and compromise road safety.
Other dignitaries present included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Education and Innovation, Mr. Tobi Idowu, representatives of transport unions, and key stakeholders in the transportation sector.
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