IBADAN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced a 50 per cent slash in the transport fare of all Lagos State government-run vehicles.
Sanwo-Olu, made the announcement at a press conference in Marina on Wednesday, 7 February, 2023.
The reduction in transport fare was included in the rolling out of relief packages for Lagosians to cushion the effect of CBN’s currency swap and fuel shortage that is biting hard on people.
The Lagos State public transport system, such as the BRT, Last Mile, and Lagos Ferry Services and others, will enjoy 50 percent reduction with the use of Cowrie Cards for the next one week beginning from Thursday.
He also said food banks would be set up in some locations across the state to distribute foodstuffs to Lagosians.
The Governor thanked Lagosians for their understanding, patience and resilience during this difficult moment appealing to them to continue to be peaceful.
He warned unruly persons against wanting to use the crisis to foment trouble.
“There have been talks between the State Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) on the lingering fuel shortage.
“NNPCL demanded Ijegun Egba tank owners and operators unhindered access to the tank farms where about 40 per cent of petroleum products come from. We have been able to do that by rearranging the timing of the work on the Buba Marwa Road, the dual carriageway that leads to the tank farms.
“The road is over 50 per cent completed. Now, you would have noticed some improvement in the supply of petroleum products.
“Also, we have given approval for 24 hours work at petrol stations around the State,” he said.
The State Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile also posted the news on his Twitter page.
It read: “Flash: Governor @jidesanwoolu announces relief measures for Lagosians as the @cenbank currency swap, fuel shortage bite hard. •50% reduction on all Lagos state public transport system through Cowrie cards • Setting up of food bank-vulnerable citizens to benefit directly.
“The governor said the CBN currency exchange deadline has, no doubt, caused some dislocation, saying that Lagos is Nigeria’s business and financial engine-room.
“So, we have recently felt the effects of this measure. Thankfully, the Supreme Court has made some pronouncements on this. I praise the Judiciary for its wise ruling on this matter. To further support Lagosians to weather these stormy days, I hereby announce the following measures:
“A 50% cut in fares on all our BRT buses, LAGRIDE taxi-scheme, First Mile and Last Mile buses, and Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY). This will take effect from tomorrow for the next seven days. We will push out more Cowrie Cards to enable more Lagosians get onboard our services.”
The Governor said he had directed that food banks be set up in various parts of the State to cater for the vulnerable, as government would distribute food stuff to various communities.
Sanwo-Olu warned mischief makers who miht see this as an opportunity to incite violence that “this is not the way to go. I enjoin every law-abiding citizen to go about their lawful business without fear.”