……Warns Dispatch Riders Against Reckless Riding, Traffic Violations.
Emmanuel lkpeama
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has convened a strategic stakeholders’ engagement with courier and dispatch riders across Lagos State as part of efforts to strengthen road safety awareness, improve operational standards and enforce regulatory compliance among riders operating within the metropolis.
The high-level engagement, held at the LASTMA Headquarters in Oshodi, Lagos, was organised under the theme, “Ride Smart, Stay Alive.”
The event brought together key stakeholders within the transportation sector, including courier and dispatch operators, security agencies, transport unions, road safety advocates and senior government officials, all united in addressing the growing concerns over road crashes involving dispatch riders and commercial motorcyclists in Lagos State.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, the Director of Transport Operations in the Ministry, Engr. Olasukanmi Ojowuro, stressed the need for dispatch riders and courier operators to embrace responsible riding culture, strict adherence to traffic laws and improved safety consciousness while operating on Lagos roads.
He noted that the engagement became necessary due to the increasing cases of traffic violations, reckless riding and fatal accidents involving dispatch riders across major roads in the state.
According to him, the administration of the Governor of Lagos State remains committed to safeguarding lives and property through sustainable transportation policies, institutional reforms and continuous stakeholders’ engagement aimed at promoting professionalism and orderliness within the transport sector.
He also urged riders and operators to view road safety regulations as protective measures designed to save lives and ensure smooth vehicular movement across the state.
Speaking earlier, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described dispatch riders as critical partners in supporting the movement of goods and services within Lagos State’s growing commercial environment.
Bakare-Oki disclosed that operational reports involving dispatch riders in 2025 indicated that over 862 crash victims were rescued through emergency interventions, while more than 16,641 vehicles were impounded for various traffic-related offences, including reckless driving, obstruction, overloading and mechanical defects.
He further revealed that several fatal incidents involving dispatch riders had been recorded along major traffic corridors such as Eko Bridge, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Otedola Bridge axis, Ikorodu Road, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway and railway crossing points around Ikeja.
According to him, the major causes of these crashes include reckless overtaking, driving against traffic, fatigue from long working hours, poor motorcycle maintenance, traffic light violations, use of mobile phones while riding and non-compliance with safety regulations, particularly the use of crash helmets and reflective jackets.
“Beyond these safety concerns, dispatch riders also operate under enormous commercial pressure to meet stringent delivery timelines and customer expectations, often navigating difficult traffic conditions for prolonged hours daily,” Bakare-Oki stated.
“Every avoidable crash involving a dispatch rider remains a painful reminder that safety must continue to occupy the highest pedestal of our collective priorities.”
Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, urged courier companies and dispatch operators to institutionalize regular safety training programmes, proper rider documentation and effective operational monitoring mechanisms capable of promoting accountability and professionalism among riders.
The police commissioner also advised dispatch riders to remain vigilant and security conscious while carrying out their activities across the state.
Participants at the engagement commended LASTMA for organising what they described as a timely and impactful initiative aimed at achieving safer roads and a more coordinated dispatch operation framework within Lagos State.
The event also featured interactive sessions, regulatory sensitization lectures and discussions on practical measures required to strengthen compliance and improve operational standards among dispatch riders.
Other government agencies represented at the strategic engagement included the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Lagos Traffic Radio, Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), Lagos State Drivers’Institute (LASDRI), Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Lagos Bus Services Limited (LBSL), Lagos State Task Force and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, among others.