The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday announced the rolling out of relief packages for Lagosians to cushion the effect of CBN’s currency swap and fuel shortage that is biting hard on the people.
The governor, in a press conference in Marina, announced a 50 percent reduction on all Lagos State public transport systems, such as the BRT, Last Mile, and Lagos Ferry Services and others through the use of Cowrie Cards for the next week beginning from Thursday.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the government had taken some steps to cushion the effects of these measures that were announced at the Federal level but with telling effects on States.
“There have been talks between the State Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) on the lingering fuel shortage.
“NNPCL demanded Ijegun Egba tank owners and operators unhindered access to the tank farms where about 40 percent of petroleum products come from. We have been able to do that by rearranging the timing of the work on the Buba Marwa Road, the dual carriageway that leads to the tank farms. The road is over 50 percent completed. Now, you would have noticed some improvement in the supply of petroleum products. Also, we have given approval for 24-hour work at petrol stations around the State,” he said.
The governor said the CBN currency exchange deadline has, no doubt, caused some dislocation, saying that Lagos is Nigeria’s business and financial engine room.
“So, we have recently felt the effects of this measure. Thankfully, the Supreme Court has made some pronouncements on this. I praise the Judiciary for its wise ruling on this matter. To further support Lagosians to weather these stormy days, I hereby announce the following measures:
“A 50% cut in fares on all our BRT buses, LAGRIDE taxi scheme, First Mile and Last Mile buses, and Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY). This will take effect from tomorrow for the next seven days. We will push out more Cowrie Cards to enable more Lagosians to get on board our services,” he said.
The governor said he had directed that food banks be set up in various parts of the State to cater for the vulnerable, as the government would distribute foodstuff to various communities.
Sanwo-Olu warned mischief makers who might see this as an opportunity to incite violence that “this is not the way to go. I enjoin every law-abiding citizen to go about their lawful business without fear.”
