The Lagos State Government has ordered full enforcement against drivers operating without certification from the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI.

It warns that untrained and intoxicated drivers will no longer be tolerated on the state’s roads.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transport and Logistics, Hassan Adekoya, announced this on Thursday during the conclusion of the state’s Drivers’ Care Initiative.

Adekoya said the government’s priority was the safety of residents and the protection of public infrastructure, adding that enforcement would commence immediately after the sensitisation programme.

“As we wrap up this phase of the Drivers’ Care Initiative today, we want to appreciate Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, our visionary leader, for his care and love for the people,” Adekoya said.

“All we want to achieve is the safety of lives and the preservation of government infrastructure. That is why we brought this initiative directly to the drivers.”

He warned that driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances would no longer be tolerated in Lagos.

“Immediately after the sensitisation, there will be total enforcement. It is no longer allowed for anyone to drive in Lagos State while intoxicated,” he said.

“The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation will be clamping down on drivers involved in substance abuse, and drivers who do not have LASDRI certification need to go to the institute to get it.”

The General Manager of LASDRI, Afusat Tiamiyu, said the institute had already trained 1,700 drivers out of the 2,000 selected for free training under the governor’s directive.

“Today is the last day, and I believe by the end of the day, we are going to get the number,” Tiamiyu said.

“We are optimistic that this initiative will bring about a positive change in drivers’ attitudes and behaviours on Lagos roads.”

She stressed that continuous public education was crucial to improving road safety and reducing accidents.

“We have been able to tell them the dos and don’ts. What we brought to this programme is re-educating and re-training them to be better drivers, to be well-informed drivers who will do the right thing to make life safe for all citizens,” she added.

The Drivers’ Care Initiative, which commenced on February 9, was held at multiple locations, including Lilypond Terminal in Apapa, Lekki Free Trade Zone parks, Obalende Park and Iyana-Iba Park.

As part of the programme, 10,000 truck and commercial drivers received free eye tests and corrective glasses, while participants were sensitised on the dangers of substance abuse.

The initiative also featured a soft loan facility for the acquisition of 2,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks, offered to truck owners by the United Bank of Africa (UBA), as part of efforts to promote cleaner and safer transportation in the state.