Lagos State Government has begun the release of impounded vehicles to their owners free of charge, following the cash crunch that has hit the nation as a result of Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) Naira redesign policy.
Governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, three weeks ago introduced palliative measures to cushion the effect of the Naira redesign policy.
As part of a move to scale up the palliative measure, the Lagos government decided to release vehicles impounded for minor traffic offenses to their owners and waive the fines.
The exercise began last Saturday and is still ongoing.
Transportation Commissioner Dr. Frederic Oladeinde said in an interview yesterday that Governor Sanwo-Olu extended the measure by ensuring that vehicles impounded for minor traffic offenses were released to their owners with the fines waived.
He said: “When you look at what the governor proposed, especially during the cash crunch, we have reduced public transport fares by 50 percent. So, when you board our BRTs and all Lagos State-funded public transport, including Lag Ride, we have reduced the fare by 50 percent just to alleviate the suffering of our people.
“Besides, we have opened food banks in certain areas. We’re beginning to give out palliatives to ensure people survive in this cash crunch period.”
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple's Bite International Magazine.