In a groundbreaking move, the Lagos State Government is preparing to launch a visionary star rating system for purpose-built auto repair workshops.
This transformative initiative, integral to the recently unveiled Lagos State Transport Policy, aims to revolutionize service quality while championing environmental sustainability.
Taking a bold stance against the prevalent use of roadside and pipeline locations for vehicle repairs, notorious for their detrimental impact on the environment due to improper waste disposal, the government is determined to reshape the landscape of auto repair practices.
Section 4.15 of the policy explicitly outlines the government’s commitment to promoting purpose-built auto repair workshops while discouraging the use of substandard locations.
As part of the endeavor to encourage the establishment of these modern workshops, the government will introduce a groundbreaking ‘star’ rating system.
This system will evaluate and reward facilities based on their cutting-edge equipment, as well as the exceptional skills and expertise of their technical personnel.
To expedite the implementation of this visionary policy element, the Lagos State Government will explore potential partnerships with the private sector, aiming to incentivize and foster collaboration.
The comprehensive Lagos State Transport Policy provides the framework for this transformative initiative. According to Table 5.1 of the policy, which outlines the recommended timeline for key actions, subsection 14.3 specifies that this groundbreaking initiative is expected to be fully realized within a two-year timeline from its unveiling.
The first concrete step in this transformational journey will involve an extensive review of existing mechanic villages (MVs) and roadside repair facilities across the state.
Through this evaluation, the government will identify locations for immediate closure and set a clear timeline for the phased closure of others.
Simultaneously, the state government will conduct a comprehensive survey of vehicle repair workshops that operate outside mechanic villages or roadside settings.
This survey aims to assess their capacity needs, identifying areas where improvement is required to enhance their capabilities and operations.
Following the thorough review of auto repair workshops across the state, the Lagos State Government will establish a pioneering “star” rating system for vehicle maintenance workshops.
This system will meticulously evaluate and rate workshops based on a range of criteria, including the quality of their facilities, the advanced equipment they employ, the exceptional expertise of their staff, and the overall excellence of their infrastructure.
Moreover, within the next two to five years, the Lagos State Government will continue its unwavering commitment to evict unauthorized workshops from pipeline right-of-way (ROW). Simultaneously, through the star rating system, the government will actively encourage and support the upgrading of workshop facilities.
To ensure strict adherence to the new standards and regulations, stringent compliance monitoring will be implemented, coupled with the enforcement of applicable penalties.
This visionary initiative by the Lagos State Government is poised to revolutionize the vehicle repair landscape, promoting service excellence and environmental sustainability in equal measure. It marks a significant milestone on the path to a greener and more efficient transportation ecosystem.
