Mixed Reactions as Lagos Moves to Ban Roadside Car Spotters, Cites Nuisance, Privacy Concerns

There have been mixed reactions to the Lagos State Government’s warning that car spotters will no longer be allowed to carry out their activities on public roads.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the warning while responding to a video featuring popular car spotter, Ola of Lagos, showing others how to spot luxury vehicles around the Ikoyi Roundabout and other parts of the state.

Wahab clarified that car spotting itself would not be prohibited, provided it was conducted without obstructing traffic or creating a nuisance.

“You can do your car spotting without constituting a nuisance or obstructing the road in any way,” the commissioner said.

He advised car spotters to operate from car lots and other suitable locations, but ruled out roadside activities.

“You are welcome to visit car lots and engage in your car-spotting activities there. However, staying on the road for this purpose will not be allowed in any way.”

Wahab also cited privacy concerns, saying the practice could expose motorists’ locations without their consent.

“Aside from being a nuisance, it is also a breach of privacy and will not be tolerated by the State Government.”

The warning has triggered a debate on social media, with some users supporting the government’s position while others called for regulation and designated locations instead of restricting the activity.

Some users argued that car spotters could be transformed into road-safety ambassadors who educate the public about the dangers of running towards moving vehicles and disclosing motorists’ locations.

Others questioned why the government was only addressing the issue after car spotting had become a popular source of income and online content for young people.

One user described roadside car spotting as “real time disclosure of a person’s location” and said the practice could pose security risks.

Another called for designated car-spotting locations, arguing that regulation could preserve the youth-driven activity while maintaining order and safety on Lagos roads.

Some also defended car spotting as an emerging industry, while others urged the government to focus attention on broader environmental challenges, particularly waste management.

Car spotting has grown rapidly in Lagos through social media, with young content creators gathering around major roads and intersections to identify, film and interact with owners of luxury and exotic vehicles.

While the activity has created new opportunities for content creators, concerns have increasingly emerged over road obstruction, traffic safety, harassment of motorists and the filming or disclosure of people’s locations without their consent.