Speeches

Second Phase Of The Roll Out Of Lagos State Modern Taxi Scheme

May 26, 2009 - We are not here to perform a launching. On the contrary, we have come to communicate successes and show the way forward.

We are communicating the success of new vistas and sectors of prosperity in the Lagos economy because our strategic partnership with the private sector has yielded another positive result.

Messrs Lagos Taxi Drivers’ Association, I-Trans Logistic Limited, Basscomm Nigeria Limited, C & I Motors Limited, Cash-Link Finance Investment Limited and Benny-Lad Ventures Limited have joined the Licenced Taxi Cab business scheme with funding provided by Union Bank, Lagos Microfinance and others, adding 1,255 (One Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty Five) cars to the fleet of taxis in the State and creating a total of 1,255 (One Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty Five) direct jobs.

This major investment is a mark of confidence in the Lagos economy.

It demonstrates that capital is not taking flight from here but instead it is finding a new home of safe returns in Lagos. New estates are being built, new hotel chains are starting in Lagos.

These mean more jobs for our young people. It means more food on tables. It means that hope exists for others.

Democracy has a meaning for our people.

These investments connote a vote of confidence for the opportunities that exist in the transportation sector. It is a predictable response to our investment in transportation infrastructure renewal in Lagos.

It confirms that the private sector is the engine of growth and that Government policies and actions are the fuel that fires these engines.

I commend the investors for their confidence in Lagos economy. I urge the operators to be law abiding and the drivers to be road user and citizen friendly. I also call upon the beneficiaries to discharge their obligations under this arrangement.

For the undecided investor, I urge you to find the courage to dare, fortune favours the brave. Lagos is working.

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Governor of Lagos State