Lagos Govt, UBA, NDLEA, Vision Spring Launch Free Eye Screening, Drug Tests for 10,000 Drivers

Lagos Govt, UBA, NDLEA, Vision Spring Launch Free Eye Screening, Drug Tests for 10,000 Drivers

By Oluwole Oluwaseun Adeola

The Lagos State Government has launched a far-reaching health, safety and capacity-building initiative for professional drivers across the state, providing free eye screening, corrective glasses, drug testing and recertification training, in a strategic move to enhance road safety and protect the backbone of the state’s logistics economy.

The initiative, driven through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport and Logistics, Comrade Hassan Adekoya, is being implemented in partnership with United Bank for Africa (UBA), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI), Vision Spring, and key transport unions.

The programme was officially flagged off on Monday at the Lilypond Terminal, Ijora, and is scheduled to cover major driver parks including Lekki Free Trade Zone, Obalende and Iyana-Iba.

Speaking at the launch, Comrade Hassan Adekoya described the intervention as a people-centred policy embedded within Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda, stressing that professional drivers remain critical to Lagos State’s economic productivity and public safety.

According to him, the government approved free comprehensive health checks for 10,000 drivers, alongside free recertification training for 2,000 drivers through LASDRI, as part of a deliberate effort to reduce road crashes linked to poor eyesight, substance abuse and inadequate professional retraining.

“Ensuring the health and wellbeing of drivers directly impacts road safety for all Lagosians. This initiative is about inclusion, protection of lives and strengthening the transport value chain,” Adekoya stated.

The General Manager of LASDRI, Mrs. Afusat Tiamiyu, affirmed the institute’s readiness to conduct the free recertification training, noting that continuous professional development is essential for drivers operating within Lagos’ complex traffic ecosystem.

Providing technical insight into the eye screening component, Managing Director of Vision Spring, Mrs. Abimbola Ogundirahun, underscored the role of good vision in accident prevention. She revealed that many drivers are unaware they suffer from vision impairment until tested, adding that corrective eyeglasses are being issued free of charge to beneficiaries diagnosed with eye defects.

“Road signs and traffic infrastructure become ineffective if drivers cannot see clearly. This initiative ensures that drivers can see well and drive safely,” she said.

Representing the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Lagos Chapter, Chairman Alhaji Kayode Ogunowo urged drivers to shun reckless driving and substance use, while commending the state government for policies supporting transport operators, including access to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) truck financing.

The NDLEA, led by Assistant Commander (Narcotic), Mrs Mulikat Adunni, conducted substance abuse sensitization and free drug tests at the event, warning that illicit drug use significantly impairs judgment, reaction time and visual clarity.

On the financial inclusion front, UBA, represented by Ms. Lolade Bobagun, announced the bank’s readiness to provide tailored banking services for drivers, including the issuance of free, Lagos-branded ATM cards, fully funded by the state government.

Commercial drivers at the venue applauded the initiative, describing it as a rare demonstration of genuine concern for their welfare and professionalism.

The Lagos State Drivers’ Care Initiative continues across designated locations, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to safer roads, healthier drivers and a more resilient transport sector.