The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning against pedestrians crossing major highways in the state, labeling it as an offence punishable by law.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on Sunday; disclosing that crossing of highways attracts a fine of N50,000.
According to the government, crossing highways poses serious risks to individuals and disrupts traffic flow.
Wahab disclosed that the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) Marshall and other law enforcement officials have been directed to apprehend offenders and promptly bring them to court for prosecution.
While he urged citizens to adhere to traffic regulations and use designated pedestrian crossings to prevent accidents and uphold public safety; he maintained that the directive aims to ensure the safety of pedestrians and maintain order on the roads.
Netizens have expressed varied opinions on the matter. Some believe the proposed N50,000 fine is excessive, citing it as surpassing the nation’s minimum wage; while others emphasise the importance of enhancing bridge safety for users. Conversely, some individuals have commended the initiative.
@AlexOgunsina: 50k as fine? When minimum wage is N30k. This is counterproductive unless there are other options to the fine.
@FrancisProda: ‘If fine is N50k, how much is basic salary?
@Adekbolaji: ‘What about places where there are no pedestrian bridges?
@Chief_Ajiji: ‘The first time I came to Lagos to wrote a job exam, I crossed a highway and ‘KAI’ obtained me. They took me to a bus where I met other defaulters. I was held for 10hours, charged to court but released before the court sitting. Since then, I made the pedestrian bridge my friend. Good move.
@Jekingboro: ‘Its high time to start considering underground crossing pedestrian bridges are no longer helping to stop people from crossing the highway, especially the injured, disabled and the elderly. Everything should not be about fine.
@SeunOlota: His Excellency, some of the foot bridges are not friendlt to senior citizens, physically challenged, sick persons or arthritis patients. Underground subways are for them in other climes. Also, all sorts of characters lay ambush on the bridges. Touts rent selling spaces to traders.
@AlabiCh41117828: Mr. Commissioner, kindly ban the display of all manner of diseases and injuries on Lagos bridges. I beg; they are not good to people using the bridges. Also, make the bridges safer for the people. Many have been attacked on bridges.
