Funsho Doherty Criticizes Lagos Transport Governance, Cites ‘Agbero’ Influence

In a recent gubernatorial debate held in Lagos, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Funsho Doherty addressed the long-standing issue of transport touts, locally known as agberos, operating within the state. According to Doherty, the continued presence of these individuals—who collect unauthorized levies from commercial drivers at bus stops and motor parks—is not merely a law enforcement challenge but a consequence of insufficient political resolve from successive administrations.

The Role of Political Will

Speaking at the event organized by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, which includes major media outlets such as Channels Television and The PUNCH, Doherty suggested that the agbero system remains entrenched because of powerful interests embedded within the current transport framework. He asserted that these stakeholders exert significant influence, creating a barrier that prevents government authorities from effectively dismantling the collection networks.

Doherty stated, “Many of us understand this notion of the agbero system that people talk about. There is no political will to deal with that problem.” This perspective highlights a common critique regarding the intersection of informal transport unions and formal political structures in Lagos.

Proposed Reforms and Accountability

The NDC candidate argued that resolving the issue requires a fundamental shift in how the government interacts with the transport sector. He emphasized that meaningful reform is contingent upon a leadership structure that prioritizes the needs of the general public over the interests of those who currently benefit from the status quo.

“We will modernise the transportation system because we will be elected by the people, not by an agbero network,” Doherty remarked during the debate. His proposal centers on the idea that political independence is a prerequisite for implementing structural changes to public transit, suggesting that an administration beholden to the electorate would be better positioned to enforce regulations and eliminate illegal collection practices.

Context of the Debate

The Lagos Governorship Debate served as a platform for candidates to present their policy positions on critical urban issues. The discussion regarding transport touts reflects broader concerns among Lagos residents regarding the regulation of the informal economy and the safety and efficiency of public transportation. While Doherty has identified political will as the primary obstacle, the debate underscored the complexity of the transport sector, which involves a mix of formal government oversight and various union-led operations.

Conclusion

Funsho Doherty’s comments bring renewed attention to the persistent challenges of transport management in Lagos. By framing the agbero system as a failure of political willpower rather than a lack of policy, he has set the stage for further debate on how future administrations might approach the regulation of motor parks and transit hubs. Whether such reforms can be achieved remains a central question for the electorate as the political season progresses.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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