Olorundare Enimola
The Lagos State Government has reinforced its road safety and security operations through a comprehensive welfare initiative targeting commercial drivers and police personnel across the state.
The four-day Drivers’ Health and Safety Programme, which concluded on Thursday, provided free medical screenings, substance abuse awareness, retraining and recertification for thousands of commercial drivers.
The outreach has now been extended to officers of the Nigeria Police Force, with an initial target of 1,000 beneficiaries.
The initiative aligns with the administration’s broader safety and social inclusion strategy under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the drivers’ programme, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation and Logistics, Hassan Adekoya, described the intervention as a proactive step toward preventing accidents and enhancing professionalism within the transport sector.
“Our drivers are the backbone of Lagos’ transport system. When they are healthy and alert, our roads are safer and our economy is stronger,” Adekoya said. “This programme demonstrates a government committed to prevention, safety and human dignity.”
The outreach began at Lilypond Terminal in Apapa and moved through Eleko Junction in Ibeju-Lekki and Obalende Motor Park before concluding at Iyana-Iba in Ojo Local Government Area.
Drivers received free eye examinations, drug screening, blood pressure and blood sugar tests, medical consultations and corrective glasses where required.
Authorities said the services were designed to detect health conditions that could impair driving and endanger road users.
In addition, the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) offered free retraining and recertification, waiving statutory fees as part of the government’s support package. Recertified drivers are expected to receive their official certification cards within 48 hours.
LASDRI General Manager Afusat Tiamiyu said the agency’s role was to reinforce defensive driving principles and professional standards.
“Public education and enlightenment are key to road safety. Through this initiative, we are strengthening drivers’ understanding of their responsibilities and safe driving practices,” she said.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) partnered in the programme, delivering substance abuse awareness sessions and counselling.
Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Titilope Ogunluyi, said prevention remains central to the agency’s strategy.
“By sensitising drivers on the dangers of illicit drug use, we are promoting safer roads and protecting the wider public,” she said.
Government officials warned that strict enforcement of traffic laws would follow the sensitisation phase. Drivers operating without valid recertification or found driving under the influence of substances risk sanctions.
Beyond health checks and retraining, beneficiaries were enrolled in financial inclusion schemes and provided with Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards to facilitate access to banking services.
Commercial drivers who participated in the programme welcomed the initiative. Yusuf Ashiru, a driver with over a decade of experience, said receiving free prescription glasses would significantly improve his performance behind the wheel.
“This would have cost me a lot of money. Now I can see clearly while driving. It will help reduce accidents,” he said.
Nurudeen Zubair, Chairman of Iyana-Oba International Park (ECOWAS), described the programme as timely and impactful.
“Many drivers cannot afford proper eye care. Today we received medical checks and eyeglasses free of charge. We were also educated on avoiding smoking and drinking while driving. These lessons are vital for our safety and that of our passengers,” he said.
Building on the success recorded among drivers, the state government has expanded the healthcare outreach to police personnel. The launch for officers took place at the State Police Command headquarters in Ikeja.
Adekoya said the extension underscores the government’s recognition of the critical role played by security personnel in maintaining order.
“Without the police, society cannot be safe. They are the backbone of our security architecture. This programme is our modest contribution to support their health and wellbeing,” he said.
Participating officers underwent eye screening and general medical examinations, including blood pressure and blood sugar tests. Those diagnosed with vision challenges received prescription glasses at no cost.
Inspector Bello Adewale said the screening revealed previously undetected vision difficulties.
“I discovered I had trouble reading small print. The glasses prescribed for me have made things much clearer,” he said.
Superintendent Yabo Obarasha also expressed gratitude, noting that she had planned to seek medical attention before learning about the free programme.
“I can now read clearly. This initiative has truly helped us,” she said.
The Lagos State Government said the welfare initiative forms part of a broader commitment to social inclusion, public safety and institutional support for key stakeholders in the transport and security sectors.
Officials added that monitoring and enforcement of safety regulations will now be intensified statewide to consolidate gains recorded during the intervention.
