.As transport unions hail govt

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Government has commenced a four day integrated drivers’ medicare initiative for professional drivers, with at least 2, 000 beneficiaries at Lilly Pond Bonded Terminal, Apapa area of the state.

Recall that the State government last week announced plans to commence a comprehensive health and safety programme for professional drivers operating within the state as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and protect lives and property through improved driver fitness and alertness.

No fewer than 10,000 commercial drivers are expected to benefit from the programme, which will be implemented across four strategic locations within the state; Iyana Iba, Obalende and Lekki Free Trade Zone Park.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the initiator of the program, his Senior Special Assistant on Transport and Logistics, Hassan Adekoya, while flagging off the event, on Monday, said it would run for four days, beginning from Monday, 9, to Thursday, February 12, 2026 at different identified locations of the state as mentioned above.

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.

The programme, particularly aims to provide free eye screenings, free medical consultations, free corrective lenses, as well as substance abuse awareness and screenings to drivers; to promote responsible driving and improve overall road safety.

Adekoya, said the programme, reflects the state government’s commitment to people-centred governance in a bid to improve overall road safety, wellbeing of transporters, human dignity and prevent accidents across the state.

He described drivers as the backbone of the state’s transport system, stressing that their wellbeing directly impacts road safety and economic productivity, appreciating the support of partners across the public and private sectors, particularly the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

Adekoya explained that the programme “is a social inclusion initiative embedded within the THEMES+ Agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu,” noting that professional drivers play a critical role in the state’s economy.

According to him, ensuring the health and wellbeing of drivers directly enhances road safety for all users.

Adekoya, while commending the Governor of the State for approving the free health checks, also announced that 2,000 free drivers’ recertification training by the State’s Drivers’ Institute have been added for the beneficiaries of the scheme.

The NDLEA team led by Assistant Commander (NARCOTIC), Dick Mulikat Adunni, warned drivers against substance abuse, describing it as “a major threat to road safety public health, impaired judgment, perception and decision-making.”

NDLEA conducted substance abuse sensitization sessions and administered free drug tests.

Drivers were cautioned against the use of illicit substances and imbibe the culture of overall safety on the roads.

Also speaking, the General Manager of the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI), Mrs. Afusat Tiamiyu, disclosed that the institute is well positioned for the free recertification training for 2,000 drivers to complement the ongoing eye screening and drug tests.

She stressed that drivers are integral to the logistics value chain, which informed the government’s decision to prioritize their training and health.

The Managing Director of Vision Spring, Mrs. Abimbola Ogundirahun, described the eye as a vital sensory organ and commended the initiative, noting that improved vision among drivers is essential for their safety and that of other road users.

Ogundirahun observed that while the government has installed various road signs to guide and protect motorists, poor eyesight could render such safety measures ineffective and potentially lead to accidents.

She urged drivers to undergo regular eye examinations, applauding the Lagos State Drivers’ MediCare initiative for including free eye screening and the provision of corrective eyeglasses at no cost to drivers diagnosed with eye defect.

Chairman of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Lagos Chapter, Kayode Ogunowo, advised drivers to avoid habits that could endanger their lives and those of other road users. He also expressed appreciation to the State Government for facilitating credit schemes that enable truck owners to acquire Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks.

Odunowo, hailed the initiative as a first of its kind in the country, while commending Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his inclusive governance.

A representative of United Bank for Africa (UBA), one of the partners of the initiative Ms. Lolade Bobagun, stated that the bank is prepared to extend banking services to drivers, including the issuance of free, branded ATM cards already paid for by the Lagos State Government.

Other dignitaries in attendance include: the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Education, and Innovation, Mr. Tobi Idowu, representatives of various transport unions, and other key stakeholders in the transportation sector.