The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued a stern warning to dispatch and mail riders, emphasising strict adherence to traffic regulations.
Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department in a statement said this came during a courtesy visit by the National Union of Dispatch Riders and Mail Operators of Nigeria (NUDRMON) to LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, at the agency’s Oshodi office.
The meeting focused on fostering collaboration to enhance road safety and instil discipline among dispatch riders operating across Lagos State.
Mr Bakare-Oki expressed concern over recurring traffic violations, including the misuse of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors, obstructive parking, and riding against traffic.
He stressed the need for NUDRMON to prioritise the sensitisation and training of its members to ensure compliance with road safety standards.
To support this, the GM encouraged the union to leverage training programmes offered by LASTMA and the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute.
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These programmes, he said, aim to equip riders with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate Lagos roads safely and professionally.
Key operational guidelines for dispatch riders were also outlined. These include the mandatory use of motorcycles with a minimum engine capacity of 200cc, the prohibition of overloading bikes with oversized goods, and strict adherence to speed limits and safe navigation practices.
Reckless behaviours, such as hit-and-run incidents and vehicle scratching in traffic, were strongly discouraged.
In response, NUDRMON’s Lagos State Chairman, Oshoko Babatunde, acknowledged the issues raised and highlighted the union’s proactive steps to address them.
He announced the upcoming introduction of a ‘Body Number’ identification system, which assigns a unique identification number to each rider.
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This initiative is designed to improve accountability and simplify tracking in cases of traffic violations or missing consignments.
Mr Babatunde also assured the public of the union’s commitment to addressing rising complaints about dispatch riders and improving service delivery.
He reaffirmed the union’s dedication to maintaining professionalism and operational excellence among its members.
