The Lagos State Government says it will begin a large-scale health and safety programme targeting commercial drivers across the state, with at least 10,000 drivers expected to benefit.

The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Transportation, is aimed at improving road safety by ensuring drivers are medically fit, alert, and capable of operating vehicles safely.

According to the government, the programme will run from Monday 9 February to Thursday 12 February 2026, and will take place across multiple transport hubs in Lagos.

Why it matters

Lagos has one of the busiest road and logistics networks in Africa, with thousands of truck and commercial drivers transporting goods daily from ports, depots, and industrial zones.

Officials say poor eyesight, untreated medical conditions, and substance abuse have continued to contribute to road crashes involving commercial vehicles.

The government believes addressing these issues directly among drivers could reduce accidents, protect lives, and support economic activity.

What the programme includes

Drivers participating in the programme will receive free eye screenings, medical consultations, corrective lenses, as well as substance abuse awareness and screening.

The screenings will be conducted at four major locations: Iyana Iba, Obalende, Lekki Free Trade Zone Parks, and the Lilly Pond Bonded Terminal in Apapa.

Government explanation

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport and Logistics, Hon. Hassan Adekoya, said the initiative was designed to address the occupational health challenges faced by professional drivers, particularly truck operators.

“The initiative is designed to address the occupational, health, and safety challenges faced by professional drivers, particularly truck drivers; who play a critical role in sustaining Lagos State’s economy and logistics ecosystem.”

He added that the overall goal was to ensure drivers leaving ports, depots, and parks were physically and mentally fit to use the roads safely.

“The overall goal of the initiative is to ensure that every driver departing seaports, depots, and parks across Lagos State is physically fit, mentally alert, and visually capable of navigating the roads safely.”

Call to transport unions

The state government has urged transport owners, associations, and unions to support the programme by mobilising drivers and granting access to parks and depots.

Officials say cooperation from industry stakeholders will determine how many drivers ultimately benefit from the initiative.

What’s next

The Ministry of Transportation says feedback from the programme will guide future road safety policies and driver-focused interventions in Lagos.

Drivers and transport operators seeking further information have been advised to contact the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Transport and Logistics.

Motorists using the busy Lekki–Epe Expressway are being assured of smooth traffic flow as Lagos begins a 64-day rehabilitation of the key economic corridor.

The Lekki–Epe Expressway is one of Lagos’ most critical transport routes, linking residents, businesses and Nigeria’s largest private industrial assets.

Disruptions on the corridor often ripple across the state’s economy, affecting commute times, logistics, fuel distribution and port operations.

With the road now undergoing repairs, traffic management has become a major public concern.

What the Lagos government is saying

The Lagos State Government says the expressway will not be closed during the rehabilitation.

Speaking on Monday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, said comprehensive traffic plans are already in place to limit disruption.

“The rehabilitation exercise will not entail the closure of the expressway,” Mr Giwa said, adding that traffic control would focus on “critical and designated intersections” to sustain smooth vehicular movement.

Traffic plans and enforcement

Mr Giwa said traffic management has been broken into phased operations, with more personnel deployed along the corridor.

“Over 305 operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have been deployed to strengthen the three existing traffic management zones on the axis,” he said.

According to him, the goal is to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow, quick emergency response and strict enforcement of traffic rules.

Economic pressure on the corridor

The Lagos government acknowledged that traffic on the Lekki–Epe Expressway has increased sharply in recent years.

Mr Giwa linked the surge to major developments along the route, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, and other fast-growing industrial and commercial hubs.

These projects have significantly raised the volume of private vehicles, haulage trucks and commercial traffic on the road.

Technology and emergency response

To prevent gridlock caused by breakdowns, LASTMA has deployed recovery vehicles of varying capacities.

“High, medium and low-capacity recovery vehicles, including tow trucks, have been positioned for the prompt removal of broken-down vehicles,” Mr Giwa said.

He also disclosed that the agency will deploy drone technology for real-time monitoring.

“This will help in the swift identification and resolution of traffic incidents along the Lekki–Epe Expressway and other strategic locations in Lagos,” he added.

Security and safety measures

The traffic plan also includes road safety enhancements.

Mr Giwa said the rehabilitation period will feature clear directional signage, improved lighting and other safety measures.

Personnel from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) have also been deployed to support LASTMA operations and ensure public safety.

Alternative routes for motorists

Motorists are being encouraged to reduce pressure on the expressway by using alternative routes.

Mr Giwa specifically recommended the Coaster Road from Ogombo through Abraham Adesanya, describing it as a viable option during the rehabilitation period.

Public cooperation urged

Authorities say the success of the project depends largely on public behaviour.

“Motorists are urged to exercise patience, demonstrate civic responsibility, obey traffic regulations and cooperate with traffic officers,” Mr Giwa said.

He stressed that discipline and cooperation would be key to preventing unnecessary congestion.

How to report traffic incidents

LASTMA has asked road users to report emergencies promptly.

Motorists can contact the agency via its toll-free hotline: 080000527862, with assurances of a fast and coordinated response.

What’s next

The rehabilitation is scheduled to last 64 days, with traffic measures reviewed continuously based on road conditions and traffic volume.

The Lagos State Government says the project is part of broader efforts to improve mobility, public safety and economic efficiency across the state.

Commuters in Ikorodu can return to water transport as Lagos authorities reopen the Ikorodu Ferry Terminal after months of disruption caused by water hyacinth.

The Ikorodu Ferry Terminal will reopen for passenger operations on Monday, 19 January 2026, bringing relief to thousands of daily commuters who rely on ferry services along the Ikorodu axis.

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) confirmed the reopening after completing safety checks and clearing navigational obstacles that forced the terminal’s closure in October last year.

Why the terminal was closed

The terminal was shut on 20 October 2025 due to severe water hyacinth infestation that made navigation unsafe for ferry operators and passengers.

During the closure, ferry services were diverted to Ibeshe Terminal and Offin Jetty, leading to longer travel times and increased pressure on alternative routes.

Safety clearance and regulatory approval

In a statement issued on Friday, LASWA said the reopening followed the “successful clearance of the waterway, completion of safety assessments, and consultations with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).”

The authority added that the terminal is now “cleared for full operations,” signalling regulatory approval for passenger movement to resume.

What operators have been told

LASWA directed all ferry operators to return to their approved routes and timetables immediately.

“All operators are hereby directed to resume normal services in line with their approved schedules and ensure full compliance with all existing safety and operational requirements,” the statement signed by LASWA Management said.

Why it matters to commuters

Ikorodu is one of Lagos’ busiest commuter corridors, with ferries offering a faster alternative to gridlocked roads.

The reopening is expected to reduce travel time, ease pressure on road transport, and restore confidence in water transportation as a reliable mobility option.

What’s next

LASWA is expected to intensify monitoring of the Ikorodu waterways to prevent a recurrence of water hyacinth buildup.

Authorities have also urged operators and passengers to adhere strictly to safety rules as services resume.