Global mag says former gov. of Lagos, Babatunde Fashola, improved traffic

The Economist is praising the administration of the former governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Fashola.

In the latest issue of the London-based magazine titled "Paralysed, Why Nigeria's largest city is even less navigable than usual", Fashola is praised for succeeding in improving traffic and empowering the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority.

"The state’s former governor, who left office after elections in March, was lauded for improving traffic and security. He curbed dangerous motorbike taxis and brought local “area boys” (street children), under control. Cars were terrified into order by a state traffic agency, LASTMA, whose bribe-hungry officers flagged down offending drivers."

However, it condemns the present administration by saying that Governor Ambode is "full of excuses, but few solutions, for the worsening gridlock."

READ: Motorists face horrible traffic on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

According to the mag, traffic and security has worsened under this administration because the governor has "cut the powers of traffic controllers by banning them from impounding cars."

"His successor, , is full of excuses, but few solutions, for the worsening gridlock. Traffic is always bad during the rains, he says. Nigerians are migrating to Lagos en masse in search of work in a worsening economy, his office adds. Yet the root of the problem is in policy: Mr cut the powers of traffic controllers by banning them from impounding cars. In retaliation, officers have refused to enforce the rules. Reform in a culture riddled with corruption is never easy. Mr ’s office says the measure was intended to create a more “civil society”. Less fastidious types think it amounts to weakness, and would prefer that he focused on public transport instead. The biggest concern is that the gridlock is a sign of a breakdown in relations between security forces, government agencies and the new governor. If that is the case, there could be worse to come. That is bad news not only for Lagosians, but all Nigerians too."

READ: Readers say Governor Ambode is capable of getting rid of holdups, traffic robberies in Lagos state

Which administration has done a better job in terms of traffic and security?