GIANT STRIDES BY LASTMA IN LAGOS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT 25 YEARS AFTER
By Taiwo Olapade
Exactly 25 years ago, a baby was born in Lagos under the visionary leadership of the former Governor of the state, Bola Tinubu, now the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The baby was christened Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA.
The vision by Asiwaju Tinubu in the establishment of LASTMA under the supervision of the State Ministry of Transportation was for efficient and seamless control of traffic across the metropolis. Of course, it also offered employment opportunities to some residents at inception. In every other mega city around the world identified with huge population like Lagos, traffic management usually poses enormous challenges as it affects the socio-economic well-being of citizens.
From the humble beginning with about 1,000 staff, LASTMA can now boast of over 4,000 dedicated staff deployed to 46 zones across the metropolis. The introduction of the intermodal transportation system in Lagos had helped a great deal in reducing the man-hour loss to traffic congestion as residents now have options to travel through the waterways or fast rail line aside the regular road network. Kudos to all former Governors of the state that provided the platform for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to shine.
The first General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Ade Coker, set the ball rolling by laying a solid foundation sustained and improved upon by successive leadership.
LASTMA, under the close watch of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Shola Giwa, and the General Manager, Mr. Bakare-Oki Olalekan, has witnessed tremendous transformation which has positively impacted in reducing traffic logjam in many parts of the metropolis. No doubt over the years, some bad elements found wanting in the line of duty within the agency were easily dealt with accordingly. Equally, those who have demonstrated uncommon passion and dedication to the job were rewarded for their selfless service to humanity.
Another noticeable transformation in LASTMA is the payment of compensation to staff injured in the line of duty and hazard allowance. These two measures have encouraged personnel to give in their best at all times, believing that their future is guaranteed when they sustain injury on duty or whenever the unfortunate occurs.
In recognition of their selfless service and dedication to duty, LASTMA has received several awards and recognitions from corporate bodies, NGOs, and individuals.
The timely response by LASTMA officials in recent times to emergencies, especially road crashes across the metropolis, can never go unnoticed. Sometimes, these were carried out in collaboration with officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps. Many lives have been saved in this regard due to timely interventions.
The Director of LASTMA in charge of Public Enlightenment, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, has added a new touch to information dissemination of all activities carried out by the agency. He swiftly responds to calls and enquiries from the media, even when complaints are registered against their personnel.
The Second Lagos Traffic Conference, organized in commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, holding at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suites, will feature a stakeholders’ forum and the unveiling of a 20-year master plan in traffic management in the state.
The landmark event is also aimed at reshaping the future of traffic management and urban mobility in Lagos.
Hurray! LASTMA is 25.
—Taiwo Olapade, a Broadcast Journalist, writes from Lagos.
