During the week, a wave of mixed reactions followed an information alert circulating on social media regarding speed limit cameras reportedly installed by the Lagos State Government along major roads within the city.
The shared messages fell into three categories, with one labeled “Lagos State Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) sites.” This message detailed the implementation of speed detection checkpoints and e-police stations aimed at monitoring traffic violations. The following locations and speed limits were listed:
1. Third Mainland Bridge – Speed Limit: 80 km/h
2. Alapere, Ogudu Road – Speed Limit: 80 km/h
3. NITEL, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way – Speed Limit: 60 km/h
4. Ojota Bridge (by Motorway) – Speed Limit: 50 km/h
5. Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge – Speed Limit: 50-60 km/h
6. Allen Avenue Road Junction – Speed Limit: 50 km/h
7. Nurudeen Olowopopo Road – Speed Limit: 60 km/h
8. Ikorodu Road (various locations) – Speed Limit: 50-60 km/h
9. Oshodi-Apapa Expressway – Speed Limit: 50-60 km/h
10. Epe Expressway – Speed Limit: 80 km/h
11. Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road – Speed Limit: 60 km/h
According to the message, motorists caught violating speed limits or running red lights would receive SMS notifications from the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) outlining their infractions. Fines were set at ₦20,000 for running red lights and ₦50,000 for exceeding speed limits.
The message emphasized that these measures were part of Lagos State’s Intelligent Transportation System, which includes speed cameras, traffic lights, and e-police stations. Motorists were advised to stay informed about speed limits, as they could change due to traffic conditions or roadworks.
However, the legitimacy of this information was later questioned by the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, which denied issuing the message or installing cameras at all listed locations.
Residents and motorists have expressed concerns over the implications of these measures. Godwin Ayebe, a Lagos resident, acknowledged the importance of traffic enforcement but noted that commercial bus drivers (popularly known as “danfo” drivers) might feel unfairly targeted. He emphasized that enforcement should be applied equally to all vehicles, including public transport.
“If cameras are deployed, they should capture violations from both private and commercial vehicles. Exempting certain groups could undermine enforcement and lead to more safety concerns,” Ayebe stated.
Gbenga Ebenezer, another resident, accused the government of using traffic cameras as a revenue-generating strategy rather than a safety measure. While he admitted that speed regulations could reduce accidents, he argued that alternative punitive measures should be considered instead of fines alone.
“The commercial buses are often exempt from such policies. This shows the government is more interested in revenue than public welfare. The same thing happens with vehicle registration renewals,” Ebenezer said.
Motorist Adebola Johnson also criticized the selective enforcement of traffic laws. He observed that private car owners and corporate organizations bore the brunt of these policies, while commercial vehicles often escaped penalties.
“Traffic laws are rarely enforced against danfo drivers, yet they pose the most danger to road users. Many of their vehicles are unregistered and in poor condition, yet traffic officers often ignore them,” Johnson stated.
Johnson also questioned the speed limits set for highways, particularly the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, which has a limit of 50-60 km/h, despite the highway code stipulating a 100 km/h limit for major roads. He suggested that the lower limits indicated a focus on revenue generation rather than safety.
The Lagos State Ministry of Transport has denied issuing the message and refuted claims that speed cameras have been installed at all the listed locations. However, on February 6, 2025, the state government confirmed the installation of cameras at two locations:
Alapere, Ogudu Road (Speed Limit: 80 km/h)
NITEL, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way (Speed Limit: 60 km/h)
The controversy surrounding the implementation of these speed cameras highlights broader concerns about traffic enforcement, fairness, and revenue generation in Lagos State. Whether the government will address these concerns remains to be seen.
