Lagos Govt commences amendment of Transport Law after auction of 130 confiscated vehicles

Lagos State government has commenced the amendment of transport law in the state after the auction of 130 vehicles seized by the state for traffic offences. The vehicles were auctioned at give away prices, leaving the owners in frustration. The action, however, generated controversies and public outcry.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Moyosore Onigbanjo, speaking on Channels Television on Tuesday, disclosed that the Lagos State House of Assembly has commenced the review of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law (2018) for amendment.

The commissioner said that people criticizing the state government for the auctioning of the confiscated vehicle should not create a scene of lawlessness where the government cannot enforce the law anymore.

The commissioner had said: “The Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law is currently being reviewed by the state House of Assembly and amendments will be in place as soon as possible.

“This issue of driving against traffic has become such a nuisance, such a danger, and such a menace to society that something drastic has to be done and the legislators at that time imposed these penalties.

“There is a process to amend the law so people can go up to their representatives in the state house of assembly and make agitations that in our view, this is draconian and we think you should change the law. That could kick-start the process but ongoing right now, there is a process to review the law.”

The Attorney General cautioned, acknowledged the lawlessness of state officials driving against traffic who are seldom apprehended, but cautioned commercial drivers and other motorists not to jeopardise their means of livelihood by flouting traffic laws and killing innocent road users and passersby in the process. He insisted that the law still exists it were pending when the amendment process is completed.