Emmanuel Ikpeama
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring traffic discipline across the state through stronger community partnerships, following a strategic courtesy visit by the Ifako-Ijaiye Leaders of Thoughts Association to the Agency’s headquarters in Oshodi.
The delegation, made up of respected community leaders, professionals and key stakeholders from Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, commended LASTMA for its dedication and resilience in managing traffic despite the growing transportation challenges in Lagos.
Speaking during the meeting, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, appreciated the association for identifying with the Agency’s vision of promoting voluntary compliance with traffic regulations through public enlightenment, strategic partnerships and shared civic responsibility.
Bakare-Oki stressed that lasting traffic order cannot be achieved through enforcement alone but requires the active participation of residents, community groups, traditional rulers, religious organisations, transport unions and other stakeholders.
He noted that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to building a safer, smarter and more efficient transportation system, adding that LASTMA has continued to improve its operations through personnel training, technological innovation, intelligence-driven traffic management and intensified public awareness campaigns.
The General Manager also highlighted the critical role of community involvement in tackling traffic offences such as indiscriminate parking, one-way driving, road obstructions and other violations that disrupt the smooth flow of traffic across the state.
He assured the delegation that LASTMA would continue to strengthen collaboration with Community Development Associations, professional organisations and civil society groups to enhance public trust, improve compliance with traffic laws and promote responsible road use.
Earlier, the President of the Ifako-Ijaiye Leaders of Thoughts Association, Chief Jonathan Tawose, praised the leadership of the Agency, describing LASTMA as a vital institution in ensuring public safety, traffic orderliness and sustainable urban mobility in Lagos.
Tawose pledged the association’s support for the Agency through grassroots advocacy, public sensitisation and stakeholder engagement aimed at encouraging compliance with traffic regulations and discouraging road practices that endanger public safety.
He further assured that the association would serve as a bridge between LASTMA and residents of Ifako-Ijaiye by supporting initiatives that promote traffic discipline, strengthen community participation and encourage responsible road behaviour among motorists, commercial transport operators and pedestrians.
The meeting ended with both parties agreeing to sustain regular engagement, expand public enlightenment programmes and deepen collaboration in support of the Lagos State Government’s transportation agenda and efforts to restore sanity on the state’s roads.
