The Lagos State Government has launched an initiative to eradicate unauthorized interstate parks operating within the state, with plans to only permit accredited parks to function. This move aims to enhance the safety and security of passengers traveling in and out of Lagos.
The State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Seun Osiyemi, announced the initiative during a press briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
According to Osiyemi, accredited parks will meet specific standards, including facilities such as public toilets, entry and exit points, and strict bans on the sale of illicit substances like hard drugs, alcohol, and marijuana.
“The goal is to ensure that every interstate park operates within regulated safety and service guidelines, providing a reliable and safe travel environment for all Lagosians,” he stated.
He added that the accreditation process will soon be publicly accessible online, allowing residents to easily identify approved parks. Osiyemi noted, “Every piece of information related to passengers using these parks will be digitally stored in a manifest accessible to the government, ensuring swift response in case of any incidents.”
The commissioner explained that this effort goes beyond profit and focuses on ensuring order and dependability in the state’s transportation sector. “This project isn’t about financial gains; it’s about creating a system everyone can trust,” he emphasized, mentioning that a consultant has been appointed to oversee the project.
Part of the plan involves transitioning to a digital, centralized manifest system for interstate travel, recording passenger information securely and accurately. This digital approach is expected to improve both security and convenience for travelers, as well as enable Lagos State emergency services to respond quickly if needed.
The commissioner highlighted further benefits: “Accredited park operators will gain a quality certification that will attract more passengers and give them a direct role in promoting a safer travel system.”
Additionally, the initiative aims to modernize the state’s transportation sector, providing data to guide urban planning and policy-making, while generating employment opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Olamide Afolabi, representing the consulting firm, confirmed that a monitoring team is in place to close down any park operating without the state’s approval emblem.
The consultant will also support parks in upgrading to meet Lagos State standards, ensuring compliance across the sector.
Mr. Usman O. Teslim, Lagos State Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), expressed support for the digital transition, noting that the union has been involved since the project’s inception.
“We fully support the transformation from an analogue to a digital manifest system, and we believe everyone will appreciate the positive impact,” Teslim said.
Additionally, Mr. Paul Okoghenun of the Public Transport Owners of Nigeria emphasized the importance of the state’s initiative in reducing illegal interstate parks, noting the union’s ongoing discussions regarding the new standards.
