Citizens Protest Against Lagos Traffic Officers' Extortion

A civil society group, Citizens Intervention for Collective Humanity and Care Initiative, has protested against what it calls extortion and unfair treatment of drivers by traffic enforcement officers in Lagos State.

The group, led by Segun Olawoye, marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday. They submitted a letter asking for a review of some traffic laws and for bridges to be excluded from Bus Rapid Transit lanes.

The protesters carried placards and a banner asking for the removal of BRT lanes from bridges. They marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly to present their demands.

In its letter dated August 11, 2026, the group claimed that poor road markings and signages across the state have given some enforcement officers a chance to harass and extort drivers.

"Our demand for this review is based on clear reasons that road markings and signages in Lagos State are not enough. Most places have no signages, and those that do are either worn out or removed," the group said.

They argued that this situation has led to drivers being punished for traffic violations even when road signs are unclear or missing. Some drivers have allegedly lost their vehicles because of enforcement actions.

The group specifically called for a review of Item 27 of the Lagos State Traffic Offences and Penalties. This item says that drivers who go the wrong way or ignore traffic directions can lose their vehicles or face imprisonment.

They described vehicle forfeiture for first-time offenders, especially where road signs are lacking, as harsh and easy for enforcement officers to exploit.

The group also connected the alleged extortion to the enforcement of BRT lanes on bridges in Lagos. They said that the restriction on already narrow bridges adds to traffic congestion and gives more chances for drivers to be stopped.

According to the letter, "Bridges only need officers to help traffic flow, not enforcers who create and maintain heavy traffic on them."

The group highlighted the Odoyalaro Bridge, which links Ojota and Maryland. They claimed that BRT enforcement on this bridge adds to traffic congestion and leads to drivers being stopped when their tyres touch the BRT lane during traffic jams.

They suggested that BRT enforcement officers on bridges be replaced with Lagos State Traffic Management Authority officials. These officials would focus on keeping traffic moving.

The group believes this change would cut down congestion, improve access for emergencies, and reduce what they call unnecessary enforcement against drivers.

Speaking with PUNCH Metro, Olawoye said the group’s worries come from repeated cases of extortion and unfair treatment of commuters.

"Many issues have occurred, from extortion to unnecessary traffic situations, accidents, and other unfair treatment of commuters on the Odoyalaro Bridge and other bridges in Lagos, under the pretense of BRT lane enforcement," he said.

Olawoye stated that the group’s main demand is for all bridges in the state to be exempted from BRT lanes.

"We are simply asking the government to exempt all bridges from BRT lanes. Bridges in Lagos are usually very narrow, meant to connect one flowing traffic corridor to another.

"To restrict a lane on such bridges for BRT, with many enforcement officers who seem to have daily targets for ticketing and stopping drivers, is simply unacceptable," he said.

He noted the group was told that lawmakers were on recess but saw that their letter was received and stamped by the Office of the Speaker.

"We submitted our protest letter with our demands. It was received and stamped by the Office of the Speaker, and they promised to act on it when they return from recess," he said.

Olawoye warned that the group might return to the Assembly with more people if their demands are not met.

"I don't think they want us to come back with another protest. If we do, we will mobilize a lot of people and plan for a day when they have important matters to discuss in the House," he said.

This protest shows the growing concerns from the group about traffic enforcement practices, alleged extortion, and the impact of BRT lane restrictions on movement in Lagos.