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Tag: LASTMA

  • LASTMA inducts media practitioners as traffic mayors to boost urban mobility

    LASTMA inducts media practitioners as traffic mayors to boost urban mobility

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has inaugurated a new initiative that brings media professionals into the heart of traffic management in the state. Under the scheme, select media practitioners have been inducted as “Traffic Mayors” to complement the work of LASTMA officers in advancing an integrated and orderly transportation system across Lagos.

    Speaking at the inauguration, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare Oki, described the initiative as a groundbreaking milestone in traffic governance.

    “This initiative is a deliberate and far-sighted attempt to broaden the frontiers of stakeholder engagement by embedding media practitioners as active participants in the crusade for traffic sanity,” he said.

    “Their induction as Traffic Mayors augments the moral suasion dimension of our operations and will significantly deepen the culture of voluntary compliance among motorists,” he added.

    Mr Bakare Oki stressed that the media holds an irreplaceable role as “both architects of public consciousness and catalysts for societal transformation,” noting that their involvement will give traffic advocacy greater visibility and impact.

    Read Also: LASTMA warns event centres, clubs over traffic obstruction

    Under the arrangement, the Traffic Mayors are expected to work closely with LASTMA officers by sensitising motorists, amplifying traffic advisories, countering misinformation, and serving as role models of orderly road use.

    The Director of Traffic Advocacy and Special Mayor, Mr Awoyemi Jimmy, hailed the initiative as “an administrative innovation of monumental consequence.”

    He said, “Traffic management in a labyrinthine megacity such as Lagos cannot be sustained through enforcement alone, but must be anchored on enduring partnerships with thought leaders, media vanguards, and civic stakeholders.”

    Mr Jimmy affirmed that the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to deploying multifaceted solutions that guarantee seamless mobility, stimulate socio-economic productivity, and protect the dignity of road users.

    He added that the Traffic Mayor initiative marks “a new epoch where enforcement, advocacy and mass enlightenment converge under a singular banner of orderliness, safety and progress.”

    LASTMA urged residents to take advantage of its multilingual toll-free hotline 080000527862 for prompt response to road accidents, emergencies or traffic concerns. The service is available in Yoruba, English and Pidgin.

  • One dies as SUV rams into commercial bus at Mile 2

    One dies as SUV rams into commercial bus at Mile 2

    A road accident occurred on Monday at Volkswagen bus stop, inward Mile 2, Lagos, claiming the life of a motorist after a Toyota Highlander (APP 150 EY) rammed into a stationary commercial bus.

    The incident, which happened in the early hours of the day, involved a Highlander SUV reportedly traveling at high speed before losing control and colliding with a painted T4 commercial bus (KJA 328 XH)  indiscriminately picking up passengers along the roadside.

    The driver of the SUV died instantly from the impact. Officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) swiftly arrived at the scene, secured the area, and evacuated the victim’s remains from the wreckage. 

    The body was handed over to operatives of the Ojo Police Division, who later deposited it at the C-Niger Mortuary, Abule Ado.

    Traffic along the usually busy corridor was heavily gridlocked, but LASTMA officers coordinated efforts to restore free flow while overseeing the removal of the damaged vehicles, which were towed to the Ojo Police Division for investigation.

    LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the deceased’s family, praying for strength to bear the loss. 

    Read Also: Construction of Mile 2 interchange hub: Lagos announces 15-month traffic diversion

    He condemned reckless driving and indiscriminate passenger pickups by commercial bus drivers, urging operators to use only designated bus stops provided by the government.

    He also cautioned motorists against over speeding and stressed the importance of ensuring vehicles, particularly braking systems, are in good condition before embarking on journeys.

    “The sanctity of human life must never be compromised by recklessness on our highways. The Lagos State Government, through LASTMA, shall continue to intensify enforcement and sustain public enlightenment campaigns to forestall preventable tragedies of this nature,” Bakare-Oki stated.

  • Five die, five injured in Lekki-Epe Expressway multiple crashes

    Five die, five injured in Lekki-Epe Expressway multiple crashes

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed the death of five persons in crashes on the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

     Five persons were also injured in the accident caused by excessive speeding and gross negligence of traffic regulations, according to the General Manager, LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki.

    The first incident took place in the early hours of yesterday at Abijo Bus Stop, under the pedestrian bridge on the inward Epe corridor, where a Mitsubishi pick-up van with registration number AKD 733 JM, lost control and crashed into a stationary Craneburg Construction Company equipment.

    In a statement,  Adebayo Taofiq, the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA. said the dead were three males and one female.

     He said: “LASTMA operatives rescued three additional female occupants from the wreckage. These survivors were promptly stabilised and handed over to officers of the Eleko Division of the Nigeria Police Force for transfer to nearby medical institutions for urgent care and further evaluation.

    Also, he said a Toyota Escort Jeep, at a breakneck speed, crashed into a parked Dangote truck in the Frajend Group axis inward Bogije, on the same route, resulting in the death of the SUV driver, while two other passengers, injured and entrapped within the crushed vehicle, were extricated by the agency’s personnel.

    The survivors were placed in the custody of officers from the Elemoro Police Division, who ensured their conveyance to medical facilities for life-saving intervention.

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    Bakare-Oki expressed profound grief and extended deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, describing the accidents as a colossal and avoidable tragedy.

    “We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families during this moment of unspeakable loss and anguish. It is our earnest prayer that the Almighty grants them the strength to bear these irreparable losses,” Mr. Bakare-Oki remarked solemnly.

    The General Manager further issued a stern and unequivocal caution to all motorists both private vehicle owners and commercial operators to desist from dangerous driving practices, particularly excessive speeding, which remains one of the most egregious infractions contributing to road fatalities.

    “These deeply saddening occurrences serve as grim reminders of the catastrophic consequences that stem from the willful violation of established speed regulations. The Lagos State Government has made substantial investments in traffic control infrastructure ranging from road signage and speed limiters to high-visibility furniture to mitigate such disasters.

    Motorists are hereby implored to abide by these measures, which are designed solely for the preservation of human life,” he added emphatically.

    Mr. Bakare-Oki also commended the LASTMA rescue teams for their rapid, professional, and life-saving interventions, reinforcing the Authority’s uncompromising commitment to road safety, emergency responsiveness, and the protection of all road users across Lagos State.

    Members of the public are kindly urged to report traffic-related emergencies, obstructions, or accidents through LASTMA’s dedicated toll-free hotline: 0800 00 527 862. Timely reporting facilitates swift deployment of assistance and may prove pivotal in averting further loss of life.

    LASTMA reaffirms its unrelenting resolve to enforce vehicular discipline, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and safeguard the motoring public through enhanced safety strategies and robust traffic management frameworks.

  • LASTMA warns event centres, clubs over traffic obstruction

    LASTMA warns event centres, clubs over traffic obstruction

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has warned event centres, nightclubs, and other social gathering venues to stop obstructing public roads, vowing strict enforcement and legal action against violators.

    The warning was issued by LASTMA’s general manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, during on-the-spot inspections of key traffic corridors across Lagos. 

    He expressed concern over the recurring trend where large social events spill onto public roads, causing avoidable gridlock and hindering emergency access.

    Read Also: Lagos unveils 20-year traffic plan as LASTMA marks 25 years

    “No individual, corporate organisation, or event organiser—regardless of status—has the right to turn public roads into private parking or event space. We will not tolerate it any longer,” he said. 

    He described the situation as a major contributor to traffic chaos, public inconvenience, and economic disruption in the city, particularly on weekends and during festive seasons. 

    According to him, event organisers who ignore the law by allowing indiscriminate parking or blocking access roads will face immediate sanctions and prosecution.

    To enforce compliance, Bakare-Oki directed all LASTMA zonal commanders and monitoring units to intensify patrols, gather intelligence, and maintain a strong presence at traffic-prone zones during peak periods. 

    He also advised hospitality and entertainment businesses to hire trained traffic personnel and develop management plans in collaboration with LASTMA before hosting major events.

    He further encouraged Lagos residents to report any traffic-related violations through the agency’s toll-free emergency number: 0800-00-LASTMA (080000527862).

    “Traffic gridlocks caused by unregulated social activities are not only disruptive, but also an insult to the collective wellbeing of Lagosians. We are committed to restoring order and protecting the rights of road users,” he said..

    Bakare-Oki noted that the enforcement drive will be firm, impartial, and supported by security agencies to ensure statewide compliance with traffic and environmental regulations.

    He urges all stakeholders in the entertainment and event industries to act responsibly and respect the state’s traffic laws, contributing to a more orderly and livable Lagos.

  • Sanwo-Olu vows prosecution of LASTMA attackers as Lagos celebrates 25 years of traffic reform

    Sanwo-Olu vows prosecution of LASTMA attackers as Lagos celebrates 25 years of traffic reform

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the protection of officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), declaring that anyone who assaults traffic officials will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

    The governor issued the warning during the agency’s 25th anniversary and second Lagos Traffic Summit, held on July 15 at an event that doubled as a high-level policy forum on the future of mobility in the state. The message was delivered on his behalf by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.

    “Let’s put it on record that anyone who attacks our officers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Sanwo-Olu said, addressing a hall filled with stakeholders from across the transportation and public safety sectors. “Without LASTMA, all of us can’t function. That is the truth. And as such, we must respect them while they do their job.”

    The solemnity of the governor’s message was reinforced with a minute’s silence in honour of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Their names were read out as a mark of remembrance, while the governor pledged continued support for their families and assured current officers of the government’s backing.

    Highlighting the summit’s theme, “Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovations,” Sanwo-Olu praised LASTMA’s technological transformation. From real-time surveillance to automated number-plate recognition and plans for drone-based traffic monitoring, he described the agency as “a model institution, not just in Nigeria but across West Africa.”

    The governor also unveiled a forward-looking 20-year strategic traffic management blueprint, which includes smarter urban mobility systems, expanded intermodal transport infrastructure, and embedded artificial intelligence for predictive traffic analysis, and making Lagos the human capital center of the world in the transport sector by enhancing the innovative competitiveness of the Lagos State University School of Transportation.

    Opening the session, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, set the tone for the summit, describing the occasion as ‘a solemn recognition of a quarter-of-a-century-long journey that began with a powerful idea: that Lagos should take control of its traffic density.’”

    Giwa detailed how LASTMA, established in July 2001, evolved from a modest team of less than 500 with rudimentary tools to a 4,000-strong workforce managing over 2 million daily vehicle movements across the state’s 9,100-kilometre road network. “Our officers have braved the sun, storms, and strenuous streets, not only to clear bottlenecks but also to save lives during accidents, coordinate disaster response, and facilitate seamless movement of goods and services,” he said.

    Giwa further noted the enormous economic implications of traffic mismanagement. With Lagos holding 30% of Nigeria’s vehicular population, and commuters losing four to six hours daily to congestion, the state suffers an estimated N1 trillion in annual productivity losses. “These are no longer just figures. They are about lives, mental health, and economic competitiveness,” he said.

    Read Also: ‘Resounding victory’ belongs to Lagosians, says Sanwo-Olu

    Giwa called for deeper institutional accountability. “Enforcement agencies must act with fairness. We must earn public trust, not just demand compliance,” he said, adding that with over 4,000 LASTMA officers, the agency helps Lagos recover an estimated N400 billion in productivity value annually.

    International transport systems expert and founder of Infotran, Mr. Shridhar Uttara, also addressed the summit, providing a global perspective on traffic technology. Drawing on over 15 years of collaboration with Lagos transport agencies, Mr. Uttara presented a roadmap for integrating AI, adaptive signal systems, and unified transport platforms to enhance mobility and reduce congestion.

    Uttara proposed body cameras for LASTMA officials to deter violence and ensure transparency, while also urging Lagos to adopt Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platforms that unify ferry, road, and rail transport under a single digital infrastructure. “You cannot build a 21st-century city on 20th-century transportation systems,” he warned.

  • Lagos unveils 20-year traffic plan as LASTMA marks 25 years

    Lagos unveils 20-year traffic plan as LASTMA marks 25 years

    • By Victoria Amadi, Udeh Onyebuchi and Christiana Ohimai

    The Lagos State Government has unveiled a 20-year traffic management blueprint as the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) celebrates its 25th anniversary.

    Speaking at a press briefing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, described the silver jubilee as a turning point for the agency and the state’s approach to traffic control.

    “This is not just a celebration, but a moment to reaffirm our commitment to smarter, safer, and more efficient traffic management,” Giwa said.

    The long-term plan, to be officially launched on July 15 in in Eko Hotel, Themed “Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovations,” aims to address congestion, enhance safety, and embrace digital solutions such as real-time surveillance, Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), and a digitized command center.

    Established in 2000 under former Governor Bola Tinubu, LASTMA now boasts over 4,000 operatives. Giwa said the agency has evolved from an intervention body into a model traffic authority, studied nationwide.

    He highlighted improvements in staff welfare, including increased insurance benefits and upgraded equipment.

     Enforcement is also being reformed, with officers now required to document infractions with timestamped photos to reduce conflicts and improve transparency.

    Read Also: No evidence found in viral allegations of officer misconduct in Surulere, says LASTMA

    In another development, the Authority through its flagship initiative, the Lagos State Traffic Safety Advocacy Programme (LASTSAP), on Thursday, held the grand finale of a statewide inter-school essay competition at the SUBEB Hall, Maryland, Lagos.

    The essay competition was designed to galvanize the critical faculties of young minds across the state. 

    Students submitted incisive essays articulating forward-thinking and sustainable strategies for enhancing traffic safety and efficiency in a complex urban ecosystem like Lagos.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, lauded the initiative for its far-reaching impact, noting that it seeks to “ignite civic consciousness and cultivate intellectual discourse among the youth on the intricacies of traffic regulation and safety.”

    Hon. Giwa further revealed that the competition culminated in a riveting final round, wherein the shortlisted finalists demonstrated exceptional analytical depth, rhetorical finesse, and creative ingenuity, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of urban mobility dynamics.

    He also announced that the climax of the event lies ahead, as three distinguished winners would be publicly honoured and conferred with awards of excellence by the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, at the 2nd Lagos Traffic Conference, slated to take place on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island”

    Also, Speaking at the event, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, underscored the imperative of mainstreaming youth engagement in traffic policy discourse and behavioural re-orientation.

    “Today’s students represent the architects of tomorrow’s transport systems. Embedding civic responsibility and traffic consciousness in their formative years is indispensable to cultivating a future motoring environment characterized by compliance, empathy, and order,” he declared.

    The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Oluwa Musa, in his response to several insightful and thought-provoking debates presented by the students, urged them to remain steadfast in their academic pursuits and to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of both Lagos State and the nation at large.

    At the end of the event, group 5 came first, followed by group 3 as second position and group 1 as third position. Each member of the winning group received the sum of N10,000 each.

  • LASG deploys LASTMA to manage traffic as Ifako bridge rehabilitation begins

    LASG deploys LASTMA to manage traffic as Ifako bridge rehabilitation begins

    The Lagos state government has deployed personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to manage traffic around the Ifako Expansion Joint Bridge, which has been partially closed for rehabilitation.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, said the move was part of proactive measures to ease congestion and maintain order on the ever-busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    According to Giwa, the closure is necessary for critical structural reinforcement to ensure the long-term stability and safety of the bridge. He noted that LASTMA officers have been strategically positioned at key points to control traffic flow and prevent gridlock.

    Read Also: 2027: No plan to impose me as Oyo APC gubernatorial candidate – Adelabu

    “Despite the partial closure, traffic remains steady beyond the Ifako axis, thanks to the swift and professional coordination by our traffic personnel,” Giwa said.

    He urged motorists to remain patient, obey traffic signs, and respect LASTMA officers, warning against reckless driving and obstruction of construction activities.

    The rehabilitation is scheduled to last 101 days. The inbound Alapere section will take 50 days from June 28 to August 16, while work on the inbound Oworonshoki section will run from August 16 to October 5.

    Giwa advised commuters to consider alternative routes and follow official traffic advisories. For assistance, the public can contact LASTMA via its toll-free line: 0800 005 27862.

  • No evidence found in viral allegations of officer misconduct in Surulere, says LASTMA

    No evidence found in viral allegations of officer misconduct in Surulere, says LASTMA

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says it has found no evidence to support claims of misconduct by its officers following a viral social media post alleging harassment near the Iponri area of Surulere.

    The allegation, posted on X (formerly Twitter) by one Mr. Chiemelie Kyrian Offor, accused unidentified LASTMA officers of wrongfully arresting and harassing him on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, before taking him to an undisclosed office allegedly near “Faithview Hospital.”

    In a statement issued Thursday, LASTMA said it immediately launched an internal investigation after the post gained attention.

    The agency said it debriefed all officers deployed to the Iponri corridor on the date in question and reviewed duty rosters and operational logs.

    However, the authority reported that no findings matched Mr. Offor’s account.

    It added that attempts to contact him for additional information, such as vehicle registration, officer description, or any other supporting evidence, have so far been unsuccessful.

    LASTMA reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and urged members of the public to provide verifiable details when reporting alleged misconduct.

    Read Also: LASTMA launches statewide clean-up operation to restore traffic order in Lagos

    “Physical verification further confirmed that there is no facility named ‘Faithview Hospital’ within the Surulere axis,” the agency noted in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq.

    The agency concluded that, in the absence of verifiable evidence or actionable information, there was no basis to substantiate the claims made in the viral post.

    Despite its findings, LASTMA reiterated its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and citizen-focused service delivery.

    “LASTMA will continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity in its operations and will not hesitate to investigate any credible reports brought to its attention,” the statement said.

  •  Group donates to LASTMA

     Group donates to LASTMA

    As part of its Corporate Social responsibility (CSR), the Rentals Professionals Society of Nigeria (RPSN) executives will tomorrow donate rain coats to the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA).

    The group’s President RPSN, Mrs Taiwo Oderinlo, said in a statement that they were embarking on the donation because LASTMA  is one of their partners.

    Oderinlo, who is the Managing Director Jason Davids Event Limited, said the event would herald their second conference on Wednesday at Oregun, Lagos, with the theme “The future of event rental business in Nigeria.”

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    RPSN Public Relations Officer, Bukola Uviase, stated that the keynote address would be delivered by the Managing Director, The Tent Event Limited, Mr Soleye Hughes.

    Others expected at the conference, Uviase, who is the Chief Executive, Luxury Rentals by Berry, said were the lawmaker representing Federal House of Representatives Surulere Constituency 1, Lagos State Fuad Kayode Laguda.

    Laguda, also the Chief Executive, Posh Event Limited, would address the theme “Smart financial management: taxes, cash flow, and rental business success.”

  • LASTMA launches statewide clean-up operation to restore traffic order in Lagos

    LASTMA launches statewide clean-up operation to restore traffic order in Lagos

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has commenced a comprehensive clean-up enforcement operation across key traffic corridors in Lagos, impounding 235 vehicles and arresting 10 suspected miscreants in the first phase of the initiative.

    The large-scale exercise, which began on Thursday, is aimed at addressing growing concerns over indiscriminate parking, road obstructions, environmental violations, and general disregard for traffic regulations.

    Led by the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, enforcement teams were deployed to high-traffic areas such as Oyingbo, Iddo, Eja-Lonibu, Adeniji Adele, Sabo, Jibowu Inter-State Terminal, and Oshodi.

    “LASTMA is now operating under a strict zero-tolerance mandate against traffic infractions.  All impounded vehicles will be promptly arraigned before the Lagos State Mobile Court for prosecution. The era of impunity on our roads is over,” Bakare-Oki said.

    Read Also: LASTMA set to mark 25th anniversary

    The vehicles impounded include 156 commercial buses (Danfo), 38 private cars, 19 tricycles and minibuses, 17 inter-state passenger buses, and five haulage trucks.

    Offences cited include unlawful encroachment on pedestrian pathways, traffic obstruction, illegal terminal operations, and violation of one-way rules.

    One significant incident involved five articulated trucks caught offloading livestock and abattoir waste atop the Adeniji Adele Bridge, an act described by authorities as a serious environmental and public safety hazard. The drivers involved now face prosecution.

    The enforcement drive is being carried out under the directive of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, as part of the state government’s broader strategy to promote traffic discipline and urban order.

    “This operation is not an attack on any demographic or commercial interest. It is an overdue rectification of systemic dysfunction. We call upon every road user to embrace this moment as an invitation to collective civic renewal,” Bakare-Oki stated.

    According to LASTMA, the operation will continue across all five administrative divisions of Lagos, Lagos Island, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Badagry, and Epe.

    The agency said it will continue to utilise a combination of legal enforcement, digital surveillance, and inter-agency collaboration to restore order on Lagos roads.

    The campaign aligns with the Lagos state government’s urban regeneration agenda, which aims to enhance public safety, improve traffic flow, and elevate the overall livability of the state.