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Economist Criticizes Lagos Governor Ambode Over Traffick, Security Failures

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Economist Criticizes Lagos Governor Ambode Over Traffick, Security Failures

By Editor

Economist Criticizes Lagos Governor Ambode Over Traffick, Security Failures

  London-based weekly magazine The Economist has criticized Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, for failing to tackle the traffic congestion and robberies plaguing the state.   The 172-year-old magazine states that instead of building on the successes of his predecessor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Ambode has consistently failed to deliver results. It adds that Ambode has mainly offered excuses for his shortcomings rather than concrete solutions.   In its latest issue, The Economist explains that Fashola improved traffic flow by strictly enforcing traffic laws and empowering the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA). The magazine blames Ambode for undoing these efforts by relaxing traffic law enforcement, which has, in turn, encouraged a culture of impunity in Nigeria’s most populous city.   The magazine points out that the worsening gridlock already affects productivity and disrupts the daily lives of Lagos residents, with many workers arriving late to their jobs.   It also notes that armed robbers have exploited the persistent traffic jams, further worsening the situation for residents.   According to the report, “Lagos is a hub for investors in Africa—it is a bigger economy in its own right than most countries on the continent, so this is of serious concern. The state’s former governor, Babatunde Fashola, who left office after elections in March, won praise for improving traffic and security.   “He curbed dangerous motorbikes and taxis and brought local ‘area boys’ (touts) under control. LASTMA, the state traffic agency, scared drivers into obedience, even though its bribe-hungry officers often flagged down offending drivers.   “His successor, Akinwunmi Ambode, offers excuses but no real solutions for the worsening gridlock. He blames the rainy season and rising migration into Lagos due to the struggling economy. However, the real problem lies in his policies: Mr. Ambode stripped traffic controllers of their power by banning them from impounding vehicles. In response, many officers stopped enforcing the rules.”   The Economist directly links the traffic congestion to the deteriorating relationship between the Ambode administration and the state’s enforcement agencies.   The report warns that the traffic situation may deteriorate further unless the government takes urgent action.   It concludes, “Reforming a culture riddled with corruption is never easy. Mr. Ambode’s office claims the measure aimed to create a more ‘civil society.’ Less charitable observers see it as a sign of weakness and argue that he should focus more on improving public transport instead.”          

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