Lagos taskforce clears air on BRT enforcement, faults media report

Chairman of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Taskforce) Mr Adetayo Akerele, has reassured residents of the unit’s commitment to public safety, sanitation and traffic order.

Akerele gave the reassurance during a quarterly media parley held at its headquarters in Oshodi on Tuesday,

He also warned against false reports by the media, urging that proper verifications be made before publication.

The chairman noted that some members of the public and media outlets had wrongly conflated the taskforce’s activities with those of other government agencies, especially with regards to enforcement along the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor.

“The rules governing the corridor are not for the benefit of the taskforce or any agency, but for the larger Lagos population.

“Our interventions aim to ensure safety, convenience, and peace of mind for Lagosians, “he said

Akerele also addressed a recent controversy surrounding a video circulated by an online television platform, claiming that taskforce officials had hijacked a vehicle and drove same on a one-way.

“An internal investigation confirmed the videos were misleading, showing that the vehicle had been impounded for driving against traffic and the operatives provided video evidence showing the driver attempted to escape.

“The online television media appears to be attempting to use its platform to exert undue influence and pressure the agency for personal gain, ” he said.

He said that it was important for journalists to verify facts carefully before posting content that could tarnish the image of the agency.

In addition, he addressed public concern on allegations of extortion by the taskforce, emphasising that the taskforce operated within the law.

According to him, no single individual’s interest should act against the collective mandate of the taskforce.

Meanwhile, the taskforce boss announced that the state would resume its monthly voluntary sanitation exercises in April, to improve public health.

He assured that the taskforce would be fully involved in the process.

Akerele consequently, called for constructive engagement from residents and the media, stressing on the need for collaboration in maintaining a safe, clean and orderly Lagos.