Taoreed Abdullahi
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has officially launched its emblem to mark the beginning of its 25th-anniversary celebration, symbolizing a quarter-century of dedicated traffic regulation and orderliness throughout Lagos State.
The ceremony kicked off a three-day series of events commemorating the Agency’s silver jubilee.
The occasion attracted a variety of distinguished guests, including key stakeholders from the transportation sector, members of the press, and high-ranking government officials.
In his opening remarks, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep gratitude to the Lagos State Government and the motoring public for their continued support. He emphasized the Agency’s significant achievements over the years and reiterated its commitment to innovation, professionalism, and the ongoing improvement of traffic flow across the metropolis.
Mr. Bakare-Oki discussed a strategic institutional change that has introduced stricter codes of conduct for LASTMA operatives. This ethical overhaul has resulted in dismissals, demotions, and other corrective actions in recent years. Since December 2023, twelve officers have been dismissed for breaches of professional ethics, nineteen others have been demoted for misconduct, seventeen personnel received stern warnings, and twelve were compelled to resign following investigations into infractions that did not meet the global standards to which LASTMA aspires.
The keynote address was delivered on behalf of the Lagos State Government by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa. He praised LASTMA’s invaluable contributions to the development of a responsive and efficient traffic management system in Lagos. Mr Giwa highlighted the importance of collaboration between public institutions and citizens in achieving safer roads and seamless urban mobility in Nigeria’s most populous city.
He noted that the unveiling of the 25th Anniversary Emblem carries symbolic significance—not only as a tribute to past achievements but also as a reaffirmation of LASTMA’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and public service in traffic administration.
Mr. Giwa pointed out that this silver jubilee is an important opportunity for reflection, renewed dedication, and visionary planning. “It is a chance to evaluate our journey, celebrate the dedicated men and women who uphold the LASTMA mandate with dignity, and outline a strategic path toward a technologically advanced, citizen-focused traffic management approach for Lagos,” he stated.
He also announced that the theme for this milestone anniversary is “LASTMA @ 25: Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads – Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovation.”
Mr Giwa confirmed that the silver jubilee celebrations will take place from July 15 to 17, 2025, featuring an extensive program of events, including keynote presentations by both Nigerian and international experts, as well as award ceremonies recognizing exemplary service from current and retired personnel of the Agency, along with key stakeholders in the traffic management sector.