The Lagos State Government has warned that anyone who attacks its officers while they are performing their duties will face legal consequences.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this statement during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, which had the theme “Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovation.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, emphasised the state’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to ensure smooth traffic flow.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu, who was previously the Governor of Lagos, for establishing LASTMA, which oversees traffic management and road safety.
He stated that when Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu took office as the Governor of Lagos State in 1999, he inherited a city plagued by chaotic traffic congestion, frequent road accidents, and a disorganised transportation system. Recognising that the lifeblood of Lagos—its people and commerce—was being suffocated by traffic gridlock, he envisioned the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) as a bold solution to restore order, safety, and efficiency on our roads.
The Governor explained that it was with this vision that LASTMA was established on July 15, 2000, to tackle the persistent traffic jams that made life difficult for Lagosians, reduce road accidents, and promote a culture of discipline and respect on our streets. The goal was clear: to ensure the free flow of traffic, save valuable man-hours lost in congestion, and improve the quality of life in our rapidly growing metropolis.
As we celebrate 25 years of LASTMA’s service, under the theme “Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovations,” we honor that visionary beginning, the remarkable journey of progress that has followed, and the enduring legacy of our collective resolve to build a megacity that works for all its inhabitants.
The Governor recognised the sacrifices of those who have lost their lives while working to maintain the free flow of traffic, assuring that their memory will always be honoured in the agency’s vision.
He praised the dedication and sacrifice of more than four thousand LASTMA officers for their efforts in maintaining order and safety on Lagos roads.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said over the past twenty-five years, LASTMA has transformed from a basic traffic control unit into a sophisticated mobility management agency, He pointed out that where officers once depended solely on whistles and hand signals, they now operate with access to cutting-edge technology, including real-time traffic monitoring systems, automated number plate recognition, and digital communication platforms.
He said the agency’s scope has expanded far beyond simple intersection management to encompass comprehensive traffic engineering, intelligent transportation systems, and strategic urban mobility planning.
The Governor said the economic imperative for efficient traffic management in Lagos cannot be overstated saying that independent studies consistently demonstrate that every minute saved on daily commutes translates into substantial productivity gains across our economy noting that by reducing congestion, we do more than ease the frustrations of daily travel; we directly enhance business productivity, streamline supply chains, and bolster the competitiveness of our commercial ecosystem. Efficient traffic flow is thus a critical driver of Lagos State’s economic growth and a cornerstone of our vision for a world-class metropolis.
In his welcome address, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa, highlighted that since LASTMA’s inception in 2000, the agency has been positioned as a catalyst for economic stimulation and comprehensive societal advancement.
He stated that LASTMA is responsible for overseeing all aspects of vehicular mobility and related road activities, assuring that the agency will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the uninterrupted flow of passengers, goods, and services.
Mr. Giwa stated that LASTMA was established in July 2000 by visionary leaders to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing our megacity: chaotic, inefficient, and often dangerous road traffic.
He noted that starting with fewer than 1,000 personnel and basic tools, we have grown into a robust institution with 4,000 staff at the forefront of urban mobility enforcement, incident response, and public service. Over the past 25 years, we’ve deployed officers to nearly every major corridor, from the busy Ikorodu Road to the developing Lekki-Epe axis, managing over 2 million daily vehicular movements across Lagos’ 9,100 km road network.
Mr. Giwa emphasised that LASTMA officers have faced the sun, storms, and hostility on the streets, not only to alleviate traffic bottlenecks but also to save lives during accidents, coordinate disaster response, and ensure the smooth movement of goods and services.
He remarked that the theme of today’s conference, “Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Road Safety: Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovations,” is particularly timely. Lagos currently has the highest vehicle density in Nigeria, with an estimated 1.2 million vehicles registered within its boundaries, representing over 30% of the national vehicle fleet. While this growth reflects economic vibrancy, it has also put enormous strain on our infrastructure.
Mr. Giwa pointed out that the average Lagosian spends between 4 and 6 hours each day in traffic, leading to an estimated annual productivity loss of one trillion Naira. The stakes are not just about time; they encompass lives, air quality, mental health, and economic efficiency.
In a goodwill message, the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, represented by Otunba Stephen Ogundipe, reaffirmed the commitment of the assembly to improve investment in transportation infrastructure through a legislative framework.
Highlights of the event include presentation of cheques to students who participated in the LASTMA anniversary competition and a panel discussion on the issue of the need for LASTMA to have a trust fund to handle management of traffic, proposed rail academy to train young ones and an adequate welfare package for LASTMA, as well as a partnership with the media to project the agency’s programmes.
Reporting by Taoreed Abdullahi