30,000 transport operators yet to comply with Lagos certification scheme – Opeifa

Kayode Opeifa, commissioner for transportation, Lagos State has disclosed that more than 30,000 operators of commercial transportation services on the road are yet to comply under the the newly introduced certification of commercial passengers operators in the state.

So far, only 944 mass transit buses, 1,383 buses, 7, 092 taxis, 2,194 kabu-kabu, 221 car hire vehicles and 2,169 tricycles totalling 26,459 have so far been registered with more than an estimated 30,000 operators yet to comply.

Opeifa said the purpose is to create an authentic database of all commercial passenger vehicle owners and operators which is aimed at improved service delivery and create a safe and secure public transport system that can be trusted by all commuters and other stakeholders is free of charge.

Opeifa added that the exercise which ought to attract a fee is being carried out free in the last eight months by the Vehicle Inspection Services and the Drivers Institute. He said the certification which should have lasted for only two months has dragged on for eight months due to low response by owners and operators, affecting the full implementation of the state public transportation management system.

This, according to him, is meant to lead to improved efficiency and effectiveness of public transport, upscale economic growth, job and wealth creation and promotion of safe, reliable, efficient, sustainable and secure public transport system that can earn the trust of the public. He commended the leadership of the various transport unions especially the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the taxi co-operatives for their co-operation and support.

He urged the Road Transport Employers association of Nigeria (RTEAN), tricycle operators to emulate the examples of the NURTW and taxi co-operatives to mobilise their members to participate en-masse in the registration exercise in the drive to have a dependable, predictable, reliable and sustainable transport system that would ensure good return on their investment and would also earn dignity, recognition and respect from the society.