Military officers describe penalties in new Lagos Traffic Law as extreme

Some military officers on Thursday described the penalties attached to some sections of the new Lagos State Traffic Law as extreme.

The officers expressed their views at an enlightenment forum, organised for naval officers and men at the Western Naval Command, Apapa, Lagos.

Some naval officers and ratings at the forum urged the Lagos State Government to review the law in conformity with the realities of life.

They pointed out that not many low-income earners could afford to pay the fines prescribed by the law.

Group Capt. O. A. Akinyele, of the Nigerian Air Force Logistics Command, said the law would create criminality and encourage corruption, particularly in a situation where offenders could not afford to pay fines.

Also, Lt.-Col. B.A. Oguntayo, of the Nigerian Army Special Investigation Board, Apapa, urged the government to allow others on essential duties to use the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) lane.

Rear Admiral Ameen Ikioda, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, said the forum was organised to educate naval personnel on the new traffic law to enable them to know the dangers of violation.

Ikioda, who was represented by Cdr. Henry Babalola, the command’s operation officer, said the Nigerian Navy was committed to its personnel obeying the law.

Ikioda said the command would register its staff buses for the use of BRT lane through the Naval Headquarters to reduce daily traffic problems in the city.

The forum was attended by Mr Adebayo Olusoji, the head of operation, Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Office, and Mr Nseobong Akpabio, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission, Lagos.

Earlier, Olusoji, had called on officers and ratings to respect the Traffic Law and be more disciplined on the roads to avoid embarrassments from traffic officials. (NAN)