Emmanuel Thomas
May 27, 2015 -There are indication that the Lagos State Government will soon clash with Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria(FAAN) over licensing of taxis to operate between Ikeja and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport(MMIA).
In a statement signed by Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, the Lagos State Government described ongoing licensing of taxis by FAAN as an act of impunity and disrespect for the State Transportation law.
According to Opeifa, FAAN has engaged in illegality by registering taxi operators and intracity transport operators despite several attempts made by the State Government to dissuade them from this illegal act.
“For the avoidance of doubt and the education of the public, it is only State Governments that have the legal and constitutional rights to regulate transportation matters in their domain, a fact that was reiterated and confirmed by several resolutions of the National Council on Transport”, he said.
He called on FAAN to desist from impunity discontinuing ongoing registration and consult the State Ministry of Transportation for proper guidance.
“The State Government wishes to inform all taxi and transport operators not to be deceived by any group or agency into believing that they have any right to regulate their operations within the State other than the State Ministry of Transportation and to warn any taxi or public transit operator that does not conform with the State regulation on taxi operation to be ready for appropriate sanctions”, he said.
