The Lagos State Government has begun releasing impounded vehicles to their owners free of charge, waiving any fines. State Commissioner for Transportation Dr. Frederic Oladeinde announced on Tuesday that the exercise started last Saturday and is ongoing. He explained that the decision aims to ease the cash crunch faced by citizens as a result of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s naira redesign policy. Vehicles impounded for minor traffic offences will be returned to their owners without payment of fines.
“The governor’s magnanimity allows people who committed offences during that period—and who may be unable to pay because of the cash shortage—to collect their cars without fines,” Oladeinde said. He emphasized that this relief applies only to minor traffic violations, not to major crimes. “We understand how difficult it has been, and we do not want financial hardship to prevent people from making ends meet,” he added, cautioning that the measure does not encourage repeat offences.
Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu has also introduced palliative measures to cushion the impact of the naira redesign. Among them, BRT fares have been slashed by 50 percent, and fares on other state‑funded public transport services, including LagRide, have been similarly reduced. “We have cut public transport fares by half to alleviate the suffering of our people,” the commissioner noted.
Beyond transport, the government has opened food banks in selected areas to provide additional support during the cash‑crunch period. Oladeinde expressed optimism that, with the recent national election results and the reversal of some policies, life in Lagos will return to normal soon.
Comments are closed for this story.