Tag: LASTMA

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has caught a 45-year-old man, Mr Adewunmi Taiwo, impersonating its officer on Oshodi bridge.

The LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

Bakare-Oki said the man was caught and detained after an operation was conducted.

The statement was signed by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA.

He said the man had been posing as an official to intimidate and extort funds from both commercial and private motorists in the vicinity.

“Operating a white Hiace Coaster bus with the license plate KJA 724 YJ, Taiwo utilise this guise to harass drivers in the area.

“Upon a meticulous search of his vehicle, LASTMA officers uncovered an official LASTMA uniform, including a branded raincoat, among his possessions, confirming his intentions to deceive,” he said.

Bakare-Oki said during interrogation, Taiwo, who claimed to hail from Ilesha in Osun State and married with three children, confessed to misusing the uniform to extort unwitting motorists.

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He added that he targeted high-traffic routes along Ikorodu Road, the Oshodi to Mile 2 Expressway and admitted to generating between N15,000 and N25,000 daily from these unauthorised activities.

Bakare-Oki noted that the agency had received multiple reports regarding extortion linked to this particular Hiace Coaster bus.

“In response, LASTMA’s Surveillance and Monitoring Unit was mobilised to investigate and subsequently apprehend the suspect.

“We are unwavering in our commitment to uphold LASTMA’s integrity and professionalism.

“I take this opportunity to issue a stern warning to individuals who exploit LASTMA’s identity for unlawful gains: any attempt to tarnish the agency’s reputation will be met with the full force of the law as the man will be charged accordingly,” he said.

He reassured the public of its vigilant enforcement efforts to safeguard the efficacy of traffic management in Lagos State.

“The agency urges all motorists to report any suspicious activities via LASTMA’s toll-free hotline (080000527862) to aid in eradicating this illicit practice,” he said.

(NAN) 

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has terminated the employment of six officials following an investigation by the Personnel Management Board, which found them guilty of gross misconduct and inefficiency.

The Lagos State Civil Service Commission (CSC) approved the decision, as announced in a statement by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq.

The dismissed officers received their termination letters at LASTMA’s headquarters in Oshodi, Lagos, in line with the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, emphasized that this disciplinary action reflects the agency’s commitment to maintaining accountability and improving efficiency.

He added that the removal of errant officers is part of broader efforts to enhance LASTMA’s operations and ensure better service delivery.

Mr. Bakare-Oki also urged Lagos residents to report any misconduct by traffic officials, providing evidence where necessary, as the agency continues to improve its processes.

“This is an ongoing exercise aimed at purging the Agency of errant officers. Another Personnel Management Board session will be convened shortly to address additional indicted LASTMA officials,” he said.

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In his statement, Mr. Bakare-Oki also reminded Lagos road users to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, warning that violations would result in penalties enforced by the Lagos Mobile Courts.

He stressed that compliance with traffic laws is central to the “Greater Lagos” vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, particularly under the THEMES Plus Development Agenda, where traffic management is a top priority.

Citizens were also encouraged to make use of LASTMA’s toll-free hotline and walk-in complaint centre for any grievances. Mr. Bakare-Oki assured the public that complaints would be handled promptly and impartially while emphasizing that motorists’ civil rights would be protected under the Lagos State Transportation Sector Reform Law of 2018.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has launched a 3-day training programme aimed at improving the performance and service delivery of its senior officers.

The training, launched on Monday, September 16, at the LASTMA Headquarters, is part of the agency’s broader effort to enhance its operational efficiency.

The special adviser to the governor on transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, inaugurated the training.

The programme is designed to address key areas in traffic management, including diplomatic enforcement, stress management, ethical standards, team collaboration, advanced communication skills, and emotional intelligence.

A highlight of the training is the stress management session, led by Navy Captain Akinyemi Samuel, a recognised expert in the field, who will equip senior officers with techniques to handle stress and maintain peak performance under pressure.

Read Also: LASTMA rescues injured driver as gas tanker overturns in Lagos

Hon. Sola Giwa emphasised the importance of this training, stating: “The Lagos state government is committed to the continuous professional development of its workforce to ensure that exceptional service is consistently delivered to motorists across the state.”

LASTMA has prioritised the development of its personnel, with more than 3,000 officers participating in specialised training programmes aimed at enhancing different aspects of traffic management.

The current training initiative highlights LASTMA’s commitment to operational excellence and its determination to equip senior officers with the skills needed to excel in their roles and contribute to improved traffic management across Lagos state.

A major accident was averted earlier on Wednesday, August 21, when a gas tanker overturned at Anthony Oke, along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, heading towards Gbagada.

The quick intervention of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency services helped to prevent the disaster.

The incident, which caused significant disruption along the busy expressway, saw LASTMA officials, led by their general manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, take immediate control of the situation.

LASTMA personnel are present in the area, ensuring the safety of both road users and residents in the vicinity.

The driver of the overturned tanker, who sustained injuries to his hand, was also rescued by LASTMA officers and he is currently receiving medical treatment.

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Emergency responders, including the Lagos State Fire Service and the LASEMA Response Unit (LRU), were quickly mobilised to the scene.

The official has implemented safety measures, containing the potential risks associated with the loaded gas tanker, saying that their coordinated efforts were crucial in preventing further complications that could have resulted from the incident.

Bakare-Oki confirmed that the tanker and its gas cylinder had been safely evacuated from the road.

He said: “With the support of LRU, and LASTMA personnel we have successfully restored vehicular movement towards Gbagada, Iyana-Oworo, Car Wash, Ifako, and Toll Gate.”

He further emphasised the agency’s commitment to public safety.

“The safety of our citizens remains our top priority, and we are grateful for the cooperation of everyone involved,” Bakare-Oki added.

The general manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Olalekan Bakare-Oki, has cautioned motorists in the state against creating severe traffic congestion by queuing haphazardly at filling stations across the state.

The warning followed reports of major traffic disruptions caused by long lines at fuel stations, where drivers park indiscriminately while waiting to purchase fuel.

To address the growing issue, Bakare-Oki announced the deployment of additional LASTMA officers to manage traffic flow around these stations.

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He emphasised the importance of maintaining smooth traffic movement and stressed that the inconvenience of fuel queues should not be imposed on other road users.

“We want our roads to be free-flowing; fuel queues should not become a burden for other road users in Lagos,” Bakare-Oki stated.

He further highlighted the importance of effective traffic management in the state’s efforts to achieve a seamless multi-modal transportation system.

The LASTMA General Manager called for the cooperation of the public, particularly motorists, to ensure the success of the ‘T.h.e.m.e.s +’ agenda, which aims to foster socio-economic development and enhance security in Lagos.

Mr. Bakare-Oki also encouraged residents to take advantage of LASTMA’s newly inaugurated toll-free call center at 080000527862 for complaints, comments, and commendations.

Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have rescued two injured pedestrians hit by a drunk driver as they were crossing the expressway with their luggage.

Mr Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, confirmed this in a statement yesterday.

The statement was signed by Mr. Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA.

Giwa said the accident occurred near Mayfair Garden, heading towards the Epe area of Lagos.

He added that the accident, which occurred around 6:30 am, involved a Toyota Camry (YAB 133 JY) and a commercial LT Bus (SMK 84 YB).

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He said the two injured pedestrians who were rescued from the main Lekki-Epe Expressway suffered severe fractures on their legs and arms.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of the Toyota Camry lost control of the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, striking the pedestrians as they were crossing the expressway with their luggage.

“The driver, still speeding after the initial collision, then crashed into a commercial LT bus that was dropping passengers at a nearby bus stop,” he said.

He said that LASTMA monitoring team, after ensuring that the injured pedestrians were transported to Akodo General Hospital, promptly arrested the Toyota Camry driver.

Giwa said the driver and two other occupants were handed over to officers from the Elemoro Police Station.

He added that both vehicles were quickly removed from the expressway by LASTMA personnel to allow for free flow of traffic towards Epe.

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have pledged to intensify their efforts in managing traffic situation in Lagos State.

This commitment was solidified during a visit by the FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Jonathan Owoade, to the LASTMA headquarters in Oshodi, yesterday.

LASTMA General Manager Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki welcomed  FRSC delegation and affirmed the agency’s dedication to the partnership.

He highlighted the importance of joint efforts in alleviating traffic congestion, enhancing public awareness and enforcing traffic regulations.

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“We are committed to working hand-in-hand with FRSC to ensure Lagos roads are safer for users,” Bakare-Oki said.

He said in the first half of 2024, LASTMA penalised 9,370 vehicles for traffic violations.

Owoade reaffirmed FRSC’s position as Nigeria’s leading road safety agency.

He stressed the Corps’ commitment to eliminate road crashes and foster a safer motoring environment.