The Lagos State government says 10,000 professional drivers operating within the state will benefit from its comprehensive health and safety programme.

This is contained in a statement by the special assistant to the governor on transport and logistics, Hassan Adekoya, on Friday.

Mr Adekoya said the initiative was part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and protect lives and property through improved driver fitness and alertness.

According to Mr Adekoya, the programme is scheduled to run from February 9 to February 12 at different locations in the state.

“The initiative is designed to address the occupational health and safety challenges faced by professional drivers, particularly truck drivers, who play critical roles in sustaining Lagos State’s economy and logistics ecosystem.

“No fewer than 10,000 commercial drivers are expected to benefit from the programme, which will be implemented across four strategic locations, which include Iyana Iba, Obalende, and Lekki Free Trade Zone Parks, as well as Lilly Pond bonded Terminal, Apapa.

“The programme will provide free eye screenings, free medical consultations, and free corrective lenses, as well as substance abuse awareness and screenings for drivers, to promote responsible driving and improve overall road safety,” he said.

He noted that the state government had called on transport owners, associations, and unions to support the successful implementation of the initiative.

Mr Adekoya urged transport owners to sensitise and mobilise their members to participate in the screenings and educational sessions.

“They can also facilitate access to major parks and depots for the programme activities,” he added.

He said the initiative’s overall goal was also to ensure that every driver across Lagos State was physically fit, mentally alert, and visually capable of navigating roads safely. 

(NAN)