Tag: LASTMA

A major disaster was narrowly avoided in the early hours of Sunday when a fully laden Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) tanker overturned along the inward carriageway of the Lekki–Epe Expressway at Awoyaya.

In a statement, LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq said the incident, occurred around 2:00 a.m., involved a lone articulated tanker conveying a significant volume of PMS that reportedly lost vehicular equilibrium and upturned while navigating the inward-bound corridor of the high-traffic Lekki–Epe Expressway

According to him, “Considering the volatile and highly combustible nature of its cargo, coupled with the strategic importance of the transport corridor, the occurrence constituted an imminent and grave danger to human lives, public and private property, as well as the immediate environment.”

LASTMA noted that its officials were promptly dispatched to the scene, where operatives swiftly established a secure perimeter, enforced traffic control, and began preliminary recovery operations. Their quick response prevented fuel scooping, secondary collisions, and what could have escalated into a devastating fire.

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In coordination with LASTMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service activated fire prevention protocols, maintaining close surveillance to avert any risk of ignition. The tanker’s contents were later transloaded into an empty 33,000-litre tanker under meticulous supervision, ensuring a safe resolution without any casualties.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, praised the professional response and seamless collaboration between LASTMA and the Fire and Rescue Service, describing the outcome as a testament to the authorities’ operational vigilance.

LASTMA has once again urged tanker and articulated vehicle operators to adhere strictly to safety regulations, conduct regular maintenance, and exercise caution during nocturnal operations to protect lives and public infrastructure.

The Lagos State Government has supported  families of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) personnel, who died in active service with N40 million.

The Special Adviser to  Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, said this at the LASTMA’s financial presentation ceremony in honour of its heroes and heroines, on Wednesday.

According to Giwa, on July 15, 2025, during LASTMA at 25 anniversary, the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu was deeply moved as he listened to experiences,  challenges, hazards, and sacrifices of officers.

He said the governor was moved that these defined the everyday work of LASTMA officers.

“The governor  said something profound that day, that in traffic management, the greatest victories are often unseen, and the greatest praises unsung.

“The  governor graciously approved that the families of our personnel, who died in active service be supported with N2,000,000 each  but not as payment for their loss.

“This is because, no value can equal the price of a life but as a tangible expression of state recognition for duty, courage, and sacrifice,” he said.

Musa noted that the  gathering is to fulfill the  commitment, as the paperwork and due process had now been completed.

He appreciated the support and cooperation of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, the Special Adviser on Transportation, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, and the general manager of LASTMA for achieving the aim.

He also appreciated  families of the fallen heroes for giving their fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and children. who chose service over comfort; who chose Lagos over themselves.

“Your pain is deeply acknowledged, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

“To our current LASTMA personnel, you remain a critical backbone of the Lagos traffic ecosystem. Day and night, rain and harmattan, you carry a burden many do not see.

“ Mr governor remains committed to your welfare, institutional strengthening, and continued reforms, as we build a safer, more efficient, and more humane traffic management system for over 20 million Lagos residents,” he said.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Olawale Musa, said  the ones celebrated today were indeed heroes,  who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of duty.

According to Musa, there is nothing that can be given to replace  lives of the fallen heroes but to console the bereaved for their loss.

“As of last year, 17 LASTMA officers died and this is to show the kind of danger and challenge they face on the road.

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“We have people who do not recognise the activities of officers a lot of time but its only when they misbehave that we complain but they face challenges on a daily basis.

“We have cases of LASTMA officer that was stoned in Apapa and even one that was crushed to death by a trailer, they are human,” he said.

Earlier, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, noted that the gathering was to honour the memories of colleagues, who lost their lives, and to stand in solidarity with the families they left behind.

“We are gathered here with deep respect and humility to our late colleagues and for the families present here today, we acknowledge your pain, loss, and the strength it has taken you all to be with us here today.

He noted that as an organisation entrusted with traffic management and road safety, LASTMA recognised the weight of the responsibility to protect lives on the road.

“This engagement reaffirms our commitment to learning, improving, and working together to prevent future tragedies.

“ It also represents our resolve to engage, listen, and support those most affected and we hope that this programme provides a space for comfort, reflection, and meaningful dialogue.

“It will also strengthen our collective determination to promote safer roads across Lagos state,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 20 families benefited from the support.

(NAN)

General Manager of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, has lauded the media for its sustained support and professionalism in the coverage of the agency’s activities in 2025, describing the partnership as vital to effective traffic management in Lagos State.

Bakare-Oki spoke during the review of LASTMA’s engagement with the media, noting journalists across print, broadcast and digital platforms have projected the agency’s image, statutory responsibilities and operational interventions.

He said media coverage of LASTMA’s activities has enhanced public awareness and strengthened confidence in traffic management policies and enforcement in the state.

The general manager said feedback from the media, reflecting public opinion and expert perspectives, has helped the agency to refine its policies and improve operational efficiency.

He said: “The media has been an indispensable partner in our enlightenment and behavioural reorientation mandate. Beyond information dissemination, its analytical depth and constructive critiques have enriched our policy discourse and reform process.

He noted introduction of ‘LASTMA Media Mayors’ initiative, which integrates journalists into traffic management in Lagos.

This, he said, has improved transparency, enhanced stakeholder engagement and enriched reportage through firsthand insight.

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Bakare-Oki stressed that the growing complexities of urban mobility in Lagos require a stronger and more strategic collaboration with the media, particularly in promoting voluntary compliance with traffic laws and ensuring real-time dissemination of traffic information to road users.

On operational achievements, the LASTMA boss disclosed that over 1,800 personnel were deployed under the ‘LASTMA 24-Hour Night Gangs’ initiative during the 2025 “Detty December” festivities.

He said the round-the-clock deployment helped ease congestion on major routes, reduced night-time traffic violations and improved road safety during the festive period.

He reiterated that effective traffic governance in a megacity like Lagos depends on efficient enforcement, active public cooperation and responsible media engagement, adding that sustainable success can only be achieved through collective responsibility.

Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to transparency, professionalism and stakeholder engagement, expressing optimism that the New Year would usher in a deeper and more impactful partnership with the media toward achieving safer and more orderly roads in Lagos State.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed that two passengers sustained serious injuries following a road traffic collision that occurred in the early hours of Sunday along the Heritage Garden inward Oshodi–Oke corridor of Lagos.

According to LASTMA, excessive speed was the primary cause of the incident. The long red Tata commercial bus with registration number MUS 507 XX, reportedly rammed into a moving truck, which fled the scene immediately after the incident without visible damage.

LASTMA operatives stationed within the corridor promptly responded after receiving a distress alert. On arrival, officers rescued two passengers who were trapped inside the damaged bus and immediately activated emergency response procedures.

The Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS) was contacted and swiftly arrived at the scene, administering first aid before transporting the injured victims to a medical facility for further treatment.

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According to LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq, “LASTMA officers apprehended the driver of the commercial bus for investigation, while the damaged vehicle was evacuated from the roadway to eliminate obstruction, prevent secondary collisions, and ensure the uninterrupted flow of vehicular traffic along the expressway.”

Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sympathy to the injured passengers and wished them a speedy and full recovery.

He described the incident as regrettable yet avoidable, stressing the dire and often irreversible consequences associated with speed-related traffic infractions.

Bakare-Oki seized the opportunity to renew a strong appeal to both commercial and private motorists to exercise prudence, restraint, and responsibility while driving, by strictly observing prescribed speed limits as clearly displayed on government-approved highway signage.

“Speeding remains one of the most prevalent causes of road traffic crashes and needless loss of lives. Adherence to speed regulations is not optional; it is a civic and moral obligation essential to safeguarding all road users,” he stated.

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has unveiled an extensive, intelligence-driven traffic control strategy aimed at ensuring smooth vehicular movement and public safety across the state.

According to a statement issued by LASTMA spokesman, Adebayo Taofiq, the Yuletide typically witnesses a sharp increase in traffic volume, fuelled by concerts, carnivals, end-of-year parties, religious gatherings and other recreational activities.

To address the expected pressure on the road network, LASTMA has intensified its operational readiness through the deployment of experienced traffic officers, enhanced surveillance systems and round-the-clock monitoring of key traffic corridors.

vent locations, commercial hubs and major arterial roads.

Speaking on the initiative, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, advised operators of event centres, clubs, lounges and other entertainment facilities to put in place effective internal traffic and parking arrangements capable of accommodating their patrons within their premises.

He said any spill-over of vehicles onto public roads that resulted in obstruction or gridlock would attract strict enforcement measures, describing such practices as a violation of the collective right of Lagos residents to safe and unhindered movement.

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Bakare-Oki also urged market leaders, traders’ associations and other commercial stakeholders to prevent their members from displaying goods on roadways, walkways and pedestrian paths.

According to him, the encroachment of public spaces forces pedestrians onto the road, increasing the risk of accidents and worsening traffic congestion.

The traffic authority cautioned motorists to ensure their vehicles were in good mechanical condition before embarking on journeys during the festive period. Drivers were also warned against driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances and reminded to comply with government-approved speed limits.

LASTMA reassured the public that its enforcement teams would remain vigilant and uncompromising in enforcing traffic regulations, including those against illegal parking, road obstruction, speeding and impaired driving throughout the Yuletide and beyond.

The agency appealed to road users to cooperate with traffic officers, obey traffic laws and exercise patience and civic responsibility, to ensure a safe and enjoyable festive season for residents and visitors.