Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced a set of new measures designed to ameliorate the suffering currently being experienced by Lagosians due to fuel and naira scarcity.
In a post shared via social media on Wednesday, the governor announced a 50% cut in fares on all our BRT buses, LAGRIDE taxi-scheme, First Mile and Last Mile buses, and Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY). He said the measures, which include setting up food banks across the state, will take effect from Thursday February 9, and last for the next seven days.
“Dear Lagosians, I have found it necessary to address the good people of Lagos, following some events in our dear country. The currency exchange and the fuel situation have, no doubt, raised the tension in the land.
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“I commend our dear citizens for your patience and understanding in the face of hardship that you have experienced in recent days. Your resilience has been remarkable. The current situation has had telling effects and we have taken some steps to cushion these effects.
“To support you in weathering these stormy days, I hereby announce 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 (Thursday) for the next seven days.
“We will push out more Cowry Cards to enable more Lagosians get onboard our services,” the governor said.
He added: “I have also directed that food banks be set up in various parts of the State to cater for the vulnerable.
“We have identified stakeholders and organizations that will help distribute food stuff to the vulnerable people hit by the current situation.
“We understand this is a difficult moment for vulnerable individuals. The relief will help until normalcy is restored.”
Nigerians have been grappling with the impacts of fuel scarcity and the redesigned naira notes for weeks, increasingly compounding their already-bad economic situation. With its large population, the impact of the crisis on Lagos has doubled compared to other states, especially the cost of transportation.