Sanwo-Olu Warns Against Attacks on LASTMA Officials, Celebrates 25 Years of Traffic Reform at Lagos Traffic Conference

The Lagos State Government has once again condemned what it described as unwarranted attacks on officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), warning that anyone caught assaulting traffic personnel will face the full weight of the law.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu issued the stern warning during the second Lagos Traffic Conference held in commemoration of LASTMA’s Silver Jubilee at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the Governor recounted the traffic congestion and chaos that plagued Lagos 25 years ago—an issue that led to the creation of LASTMA by then-Governor, now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that LASTMA was established to instill discipline on the roads and improve the quality of life for residents, stating:

“Residents and businesses previously struggled with paralyzing gridlocks. The introduction of LASTMA was a visionary step to promote order and ensure smoother traffic flow in Lagos.”

He added that President Tinubu deserves commendation for the foresight that laid the foundation for what has become a Mega City and cautioned against focusing only on negative narratives about Nigeria, pointing out that LASTMA is a national success story.

The Governor paid tribute to over 20 LASTMA officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, including Alhaja Giwa, Jide Akinsemoyin, Raymond Isekolowo, and Olufemi Alaba, assuring that the government remains committed to improving staff welfare.

In his remarks, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Shola Giwa, noted that LASTMA has grown from 500 personnel at inception to over 4,000 well-trained staff deployed across major routes, managing over 2 million vehicles daily in Lagos.

Giwa revealed that Lagos bears the burden of over 30% of the country’s vehicular population, with an estimated ₦1 trillion lost annually to traffic congestion.

“Public apathy and hostility toward traffic officials must be addressed. Under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, LASTMA has made remarkable progress,” he stated.

He also disclosed that road safety education has been incorporated into the school curriculum, stressing that the conference is not just a celebration of legacy but also a roadmap for the future of traffic management in Lagos.

Former Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, gave an emotional address, recalling that two officers were killed while clearing traffic gridlock in Apapa.

Describing LASTMA as a “masterstroke of traffic management,” he said the agency has been a model emulated by 26 Nigerian states and four West African countries.

Also speaking, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh, lauded LASTMA’s role in reducing traffic-related crimes, particularly robberies, and praised the synergy between the Police and LASTMA in maintaining security and order.

Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, Hon. Temitope Adewale, praised the agency’s progress and urged the introduction of a health insurance scheme for LASTMA personnel due to the dangerous nature of their job.

He also called for a change in public perception of the agency, noting that a few “bad eggs” should not tarnish the image of the entire organization. He appreciated the police for their role in effective traffic enforcement.

In his goodwill message, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Folarin Ogunsanwo, described LASTMA as one of the most effective agencies in the state and commended the leadership of the agency for their service to Lagos.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Uttara Sridhar emphasized the urgent need for technological advancements in traffic management, recommending the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as done in global cities like New York.

Dr. Sridhar also proposed the use of body cameras for LASTMA officials to deter assaults and ensure accountability during operations.

The 3-day Lagos Traffic Conference is themed:

“Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovations.”