…………… Unveils A Commemorative Emblem.
…..Poised to unveil a comprehensive 20-year Traffic Management Plan (TMP)
Emmanuel lkpeama.
Ahead of its 25 years anniversary,the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA)has unveiled a commemorative emblem heralding the 25th anniversary of the agency and symbolizing a new era for one of Nigeria’s most prominent public service agency.
In a press conference held on Tuesday 29, April 2025 at the conference room,LASTMA headquarters in Lagos which attracted stakeholders from the transportation sector, civil society,media and other sister government agency marked a quarter century of transforming road discipline in Nigeria.
Addressing the media, the General Manager of LASTMA,Mr Olalekan Bakare Oki stated that the ceremony signified the official inauguration of a three-day series of commemorative events marking the Agency’s silver jubilee, stating that the emblem is a symbol of endurance, growth and continuous service to the people of Lagos state.
“The emblem we unveil today transcends its aesthetic representation and outlook.It encapsulates the enduring spirit of our institution,the hurdles we have surmounted, the laurels we have earned, and the unrelenting passion demonstrated by every officer who has adorned the LASTMA uniform with honour and distinction.
” It stands as an emblematic insignia, calling us to reaffirm our collective duty to fortify and expand the legacy meticulously built over the past twenty-five years.”he said.
Bakare underscored the Agency’s significant strides over the years and reaffirmed its dedication to innovation, professionalism, and the continual enhancement of traffic flow throughout the metropolis.
He noted that LASTMA which was established in the year 2020 under the administration of the then governor,Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was conceived to address the worsening traffic challenges that had plagued Lagos for decades.
” What began with a fundamental directive through the head of service circular HOS/12/2000 has since evolved into a robust institution supported by key legislation including the Lagos Road Traffic Law and the Transport Sector Reform Law(2018,as amended).”
“Over the past 25 years, LASTMA has grown into a critical opponent of Lagos Urban planning and mobility infrastructure.
From traffic regulations to road safety education and incident response, the agency became a bastion of disciplined driving culture, engendering innovation, and exemplary public service within Nigeria’s public transportation landscape.”
“May this emblem ignite in us a renewed zeal, a deeper sense of commitment, and an unshakable resolve to deliver unalloyed service to State, characterized by safer and seamless traffic,orderly, and progressively efficient.”he submitted.
He further revealed that from December 2023 to date, 12 officers had been summarily dismissed for breaches of professional ethics, while 19 others were demoted for misconduct.
In addition, 17 personnel received stern warnings, and 12 were compelled to tender their resignations following investigations into infractions deemed incompatible with the global standards to which LASTMA aspires.
Investigator news reports that in addition to the emblem launch,LASTMA officials used the occasion to unveil a series of forward thinking policies and programmes that signal a paradigm shift in how traffic is managed in Lagos.
He noted that the agency has transitioned from a traditional traffic management authority to what he calls”an incident management agency”
“We are no longer waiting for problem to occur,we are identifying them in advance and preventing them.From relying on manual control,we are now embracing predictive traffic intelligence, deploying smart technologies and redefining what traffic safety and efficiency mean in the 21st century”
” This transformation include the introduction of digital tools such as body worn traffic monitoring system and smart surveillance infrastructure designed to reduce human interference and increase operational transparency, although this current TMS device faces technical limitations like short recording times and storage congestion but a phased upgrade is already underway” he stated.
Mr Bakare Oki acknowledges the State governor, the media and LASTMA staff for their unwavering support,whose steadfast collaboration has been integral to their journey since inception.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Lagos State Governor,the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation,Hon Giwa Olushola said that the 25th anniversary of the agency is not just a celebration;but a moment for reflection, rededication, and visioning as it gives the agency and staff the opportunity to assess how far they have come and recognizing the men and women who wear the LASTMA uniform with dignity.
Speaking on this year theme “LASTMA @25: Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety in Lagos State Road – Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovations”,Giwa emphasize that the anniversary festivities is slated for July 15th to 17th,2025 and the line up activities include a Lagos traffic summit, Public policy dialogue, Community engagement campaigns and award ceremonies for outstanding personnel.
Hon Giwa also pointed out that the traffic enforcement in Lagos is not about punishment but about public safety and behavioral changes. LASTMA’s new approach will prioritize preventive measures, education and citizens engagement over arbitrary arrest of confrontation.
He applauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support in the transport sector reform, as well as the entire Lagos State Government for continuously providing the enabling environment for LASTMA to thrive.
He said,”Without the governor’s commitment to innovations and infrastructure,we will not be here celebrating this milestone .
The Special Adviser reiterated that the future of traffic management in Lagos hinges not only on technology but also on public cooperation”from obeying traffic rules to respecting enforcement officers, citizens play a vital role in the success of the agency’s mission”
“Let me assure you all: the next 25 years will not only consolidate on our achievements, but will also usher in a new era of innovation, transparency, and public trust in traffic law enforcement. Together, we are building a legacy of safe, efficient, and people-oriented mobility.”he concluded.
