Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has described car spotting as a criminal activity, warning that the state government will take steps to clear car spotters from the streets.
Hamzat made the statement during an interview on Nigeria Info FM, amid growing concerns over the activities of enthusiasts who photograph and record luxury vehicles on Lagos roads for social media. Car spotting has become increasingly popular among young content creators and automobile enthusiasts, who often approach exotic and high-end vehicles in traffic to capture videos and share them online.
However, Hamzat expressed concerns about the impact of the activity on motorists and members of the public, particularly over alleged harassment, public nuisance and privacy violations.
The deputy governor’s comments have generated mixed reactions from members of the public. While some Nigerians welcomed the proposed crackdown, arguing that motorists should not be harassed or filmed without consent.
Maximumolusegun opined:
“Some critics urged the government to focus more attention on other street related problems, including the activities of area boys and other forms of public disorder.”
Others questioned the decision to target car spotters.
Sissy’s reacted:
“I don’t know. This country is always after things that doesn’t matter. People that owns exotic cars where this guys spot doesn’t even complain. But it’s the government that is complaining that this guys are menace to the society. A lot of names are made through this act and it’s not only in Nigeria that this happens but here we are discussing how to arrest this young guys trying to make name and better their life through this content.”
Some critics urged the government to focus more attention on other street related problems, including the activities of area boys and other forms of public disorder.
The controversy has consequently sparked renewed debate over the limits of public filming, privacy and the growing culture of automobile content creation in Lagos.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
