Nigerian singer cum filmmaker, Dare Fasasi, better known as ‘Baba Dee’, has frowned at the deep-rooted corruption and mismanagement in Nigeria’s public systems, citing his recent experience with the Lagos train service.
Naija News reports that Dare, in a post on Instagram, said he had to abandon his car to use the train while in Lagos due to the severe traffic on the roads.
According to him, it was shocking that the train stations were out of Cowrie cards in December, one of the busiest commuting periods of the year.
Dare also expressed displeasure at the attendant, openly collecting bank transfers into his personal account to allow passengers to board the train.
The filmmaker emphasised that commuters paid because they had no other option, describing the situation as daylight robbery dressed in the guise of civil service.
Dare warned that such practices will quickly destroy public trust and kill train patronage, adding that no system can survive when those meant to manage it treat it like a personal cash machine.
He said, “Corruption is our greatest nemesis as a people. Everyone manages to pervert any position they find themselves in then we turn around and ask why the country won’t develop.
“I was in Lagos recently and had to abandon my car for the train to the Island because of the madness on the roads. What I met was shocking. In December peak commuting season train stations were “out of” Cowrie cards. How does that even happen?
“At Orile–Iganmu, an attendant was openly collecting transfers into his personal account so commuters could board. People paid because they had no choice. This is daylight robbery dressed up as public service.
“This kind of gross mismanagement will kill train patronage in no time. You don’t sabotage a system and expect it to survive. Public infrastructure cannot thrive when it’s treated as a personal cash machine.
“If we don’t call this out and demand accountability, we’re complicit. Fix the system. Enforce standards. Punish corruption. Nigerians deserve better.”
Baba Dee, Train Service,
