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NURTW extend activities to new Lagos laybys 

By Gbenga Salau
18 September 2016   |   2:46 am
To ease the perennial traffic along the Third Mainland-Iyana-Oworo-Toll Gate Road, the Lagos State government constructed multiple laybys on that route. While three of the laybys have been completed, and put to use, about five others are still under construction.
Workers putting finishing touches to one of the laybys

Workers putting finishing touches to one of the laybys

To ease the perennial traffic along the Third Mainland-Iyana-Oworo-Toll Gate Road, the Lagos State government constructed multiple laybys on that route. While three of the laybys have been completed, and put to use, about five others are still under construction. The ones completed are the two facing each other at Iyana-Oworo Bus Stop, and the third at Car Wash Bus Stop, not far away from Iyana-Oworo.

At the unveiling of the Car Wash Multiple Layby, Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Transport, Prince Olanrewaju Anofi Elegushi, who demanded the cooperation of citizens in the good use of the facilities, said the state government would not tolerate the use of the laybys as loading bays, or for union activities, or any illegal activity.

His words, “Let me quickly state here that this facility is neither meant to be used as a loading bay, nor for union activities, mechanic garages for repair of broken down vehicles and other such illegal activities.” When asked how the state hopes to ensure compliance with this, Elegushi said that the ministry would put in place a monitoring committee to enforce that, adding that in the process of building the laybys, they had had engagements with critical stakeholders, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers.

Days after the laybys were opened for use, The Guardian observed that union activities were actively taking place at the three locations. It was further observed that aside the laybys at Iyana-Oworo inbound Oworo, from Third Mainland Bridge, there were no traffic or police officers, to help control, or keep commercial transporters in check when they are not orderly.

Union officers were more interested in collecting dues and other fees, rather than helping to ensure that commercial drivers do not stop recklessly to pick or drop passengers, and in the process obstruct free flow of traffic.

Commenting on the new laybys, the Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, commended the state governor for the construction of multiple lay-bys, assuring that commercial drivers would make judicious use of the facilities.

According to the NURTW boss, the project would go a long way in easing traffic along the Oworonshoki/Third Mainland Bridge axis, thereby preventing loss of man-hour.“We as stakeholders in the transport industry really appreciate the gesture, as it is part of initiatives aimed at solving the menace of traffic congestion in the state.”

The NURTW, however, seems to have a different understanding of Elegushi charge, as the union chairman said that the union’s task force operating in the area had been mandated to monitor its use, to ensure the facility is not abused.

He further said that the union under him would continue to partner with the state government to ensure that Lagosians enjoy the dividends of democracy, especially in the transport sector.

The Ministry of Transport has, however, stated that it has already communicated to the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), the need to ensure sanity at each of the laybys. It further stressed that the laybys are not for union activities and it still remains so.

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