Speeches

Commissioning Of Corporate Cab Services Limited (CCSL)

Aug 26, 2008 - I remember that, during the 2007 gubernatorial campaign, I made a promise to Lagosians, that we shall adopt a holistic approach in tackling the transportation challenges in Lagos State. Since the inception of our administration in Lagos State, we have been working assiduously to fulfill our promises to the people and take the mega city of Lagos State to the next level.

Lagos State as the socio economic nerve centre and commercial hub of Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub region, with a population of 18.5million accounting for 68% industrialization, 38% energy consumption, 60% Value Added Tax (VAT) generation and 27% vehicle population has acquired a mega city status with the attendant challenges of provision of services and infrastructure.

Transportation in Lagos State has, always, been a huge challenge facing every administration in the State. I have mentioned at other for a, several solutions that had been initiated by previous administrations, which included, Park-and-Ride, Odd and Even Number among others. Our administration decided to involve the private sector in the provision of some basic services and infrastructure, including effective public transportation facilities, to make the living standard of our people more worthwhile.

In order to deliver on our mandate to Lagosians, we have adopted an inter modal transportation system, road, ferry services and light rail, to enhance public transportation and traffic management for motorists and commuters in Lagos State. I am happy to note the success recorded by our newly introduced Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System which has been operating on some routes within the metropolis and with an average patronage of 40,000 commuters per day. We are working on opening more routes and extending the services to the hinterland.

However, in line with the resolution of our administration to revive water transportation in Lagos State, we have enacted the Lagos State Inland Waterways Act, to regulate dredging and channelization of inland waterways in the State, Shore to Sea Communication, Licensing and Granting of Permits to Maritime Operators within the limits of the Inland Waterways. Plans are, also, at an advanced stage to rehabilitate existing jetties and, also, construct new jetties to accommodate private investors in ferry services.

It is the desire of our administration to bequeath to motorists and commuters in Lagos State, a reformed and integrated transportation system, which promotes the use of land, water and rail for easy movement.

You are all aware of the ongoing renovation works at the Third Mainland Bridge, which is one of the major arteries linking the Mainland to the Island. Even though motorists will undergo some pains, the end result will enhance public safety and free flow of traffic in Lagos State.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the commissioning of the first phase of branded taxi cabs by private investors in Lagos State, today, signifies the commitment of our administration to, further partner with the private sector, to evolve and operate a dynamic a dynamic public transportation system for the benefit of all Lagosians.

Our administration is determined to reduce traveling time on Lagos State roads by encouraging motorists to make use of regulated public transport systems such as the BRT and private sector inspired taxi and car hire services.

I am, therefore, happy to present Corporate Cab Services, who have been licensed to provide taxi and car hire services, in Lagos State, that are comparable to what obtains in developed societies. About 100 brand new vehicles, including air-conditioned Honda and Toyota cars, will be deployed in this first phase for the benefit of commuters.

I commend the Chairman, Dr. Odunlami Kola-Daisi, the Board of Directors, the Managing Director, Mr. Victor Adeyemi and the entire work force of Corporate Cab Services for buying into the vision of our administration to provide a seamless transport system in the mega city of Lagos State.

I urge everyone, present here today, to support our administration in our quest to transform Lagos State into the “New Lagos” of our dreams, by playing your own role, as good citizens of Lagos State, through prompt payment of your taxes and discharging other civic duties.

I am, therefore, very happy to commission the first phase of taxi cabs and car hire fleet of Corporate Cab Services, in Lagos State, to the glory of God, the benefit of mankind and the comfort of Lagosians.

Thank you for your attention and God bless.

Eko O Ni Baje O!

Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN),
Executive Governor,
Lagos State