By Uzor Odigbo
The General Manager, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olajide Oduyoye, has commenced the release of vehicles impounded between April 1 and 14, 2020, as directed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the lockdown order of the Federal Government.
Oduyoye, in a statement, explained that the directive was part of the state government’s concession to vehicle owners to ameliorate the economic hardship caused by the lockdown order instituted to curb the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.
While noting that the directive was not extended to those who violated the order after the 14th of April, 2020, the general manager called on qualified owners to visit the Agency with valid documents such as vehicle licence, roadworthiness certificate and insurance documents to collect their vehicles.
Oduyoye also used the opportunity to advise Lagos residents to support the State and Federal Governments in the fight against COVID-19 by complying with laid down guidelines, stressing that the fight is a joint effort and all hands must be on deck in order to flatten the curve, especially in Lagos State.
“For the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic to be successful, we all must strictly adhere to laid down rules, directives and regulations such as physical distancing, frequent washing of hands, use of sanitisers, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, use of face mask and staying at home, if it is not compulsory to go out”, Oduyoye said.
The General Manager also implored all LASTMA staffers to be good ambassadors of the State Government in carrying out their duties of enforcing the traffic law and guidelines for the gradual ease of the lockdown order in Lagos State.