On Monday the Lagos state government ordered the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) out of Lagos roads with immediate effect.

The news was greeted with jubilation by many Lagosians on social media.

Many are of the view that the state’s decision was the right one.

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Speaking on the matter, a source with information on the matter, said, “The story of a painter, whose car got burnt in VIO’s custody, caused a discreet investigation into the activities of the outfit and I can tell you that the report was not palatable.

“Apart from this, complaints about the overzealousness of some VIO men have reached a high level.”

As much as we commend the decision of the Lagos state government, we also believe that many other organisations should be kicked off roads in the state.

Road users in Lagos, especially commercial motor drivers have to face at least three law enforcement agencies on the road – the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Nigeria Police Force.

As much as we want the police off the roads, they have become a necessary evil who we cannot do without. As for the FRSC, since they are the law enforcement agency recognised by the Federal Government they are still needed on the roads.

But LASTMA has to go. They have to go because they are an upgrade of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), also known in the state as “Agberos”.

As much as LASTMA is an agency of the state government, its role has veered off course, as it is more concerned about generating revenue for the government than actually keep road users in check.

A situation where operatives of the transport agency are seen engaging in fisticuffs with drivers and conductors of commercial vehicle operators, popularly known as danfos is rather unbecoming.

LASTMA has been of help in employing some persons but majority of those employed are reported to be former agberos who have been garbed in uniform.

Another agency that needs to go and go first is the NURTW. Many Lagosians know recognise them with their street name agberos. These guys are a constant menace on the roads as they disturb road users, collecting ridiculous amount of monies from commercial drivers.

Now that the Lagos government has put the VIO off the road for a while, we hope these other agencies are kicked off the road.