Sanwo-Olu Announces 25 Percent Discount Transport Fares, Approves Work-from-home

Sanwo-Olu Announces 25 Percent Discount Transport Fares, Approves Work-from-home

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced a 25 percent discount on fares for government-owned transportation services during a recent public address.

He emphasized initiatives aimed at alleviating economic challenges for Lagos residents.

The State Assembly plans to question agriculture and transportation commissioners regarding efforts to improve residents’ welfare amidst economic difficulties nationwide.

Governor Sanwo-Olu detailed various measures being implemented, including a decision for civil servants in levels one to 14 to work three days a week to address economic pressures.

“As a government, we cannot be everything and everywhere but we can provide and create avenues for others to join us. The first we have done or will be doing from today going forward is that we want to start with our public servants. 

“Even the challenge that we see now, can we be creative and have flexible working hours? So immediately from next week, we are working out the plans where civil servants from levels one to 14 will come to the office a maximum of three times a week. Not that any form of government will be shut down, it will all be calendarised and it will be on schedule. Levels 15 to 17 will miss work a day,” he said.

On transportation sector, He stressed that, “We are also implementing a 25 per cent reduction on transport services for the state public transport system (BRT, train, ferry), putting back over N500m monthly into the pockets of Lagosians. With the Red Line Rail about to be launched, there will be a lot more options for our residents. We are also in discussions with various unions to reduce their fares, and we will announce any new developments.”

The state aims to provide affordable food through three key strategies to ease financial burdens on citizens.

“We will open soup kitchens/bowls where identified caterers (mama put) will be employed across local government areas to feed those who need it, once daily. Beneficiaries will get vouchers to be able to access the kitchens. We will also be having food purchases and redistribution to people who need it, especially as we are currently expecting about 100 trailer loads of rice and grains.

“Also, we will be having Sunday markets in 42 identified markets where people can buy cheaply at discounted rates. Purchase will however be limited to N25,000 to ensure that those who really need it benefit from the initiative.”

In the healthcare sector, Sanwo-Olu disclosed plans for free deliveries at all general hospitals, along with reduced prices for certain medications.

Additionally, free health missions will be conducted twice weekly across the six health districts over the next three months.

The government will cover expenses for child deliveries in all 31 general hospitals, whether through natural birth or cesarean section.

“Our healthcare initiatives are set to benefit over 50,000 women annually with free childbirth services across the state’s general hospitals and secondary health facilities, alongside distributing free hypertensive medications to individuals in need,” he added.

Addressing pension concerns, he assured prompt payment to retired civil servants within a month of retirement.

Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted ongoing projects, such as the Red Line extension into Ogun State, signaling further development plans.

He said, “the Red Line has entered Ogun State, and we are discussing ways to do more extensions.”