LASTMA at 25: Lagos State Charts Future of Traffic Management, Unveils Strategic Blueprint at Press Briefing
…Special Adviser Hon. Sola Giwa and GM Olalekan Oki highlight milestones ahead of Second Lagos Traffic Conference
Lagos, Nigeria – July 9, 2025 — In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), government officials, transportation stakeholders, and members of the press converged at the agency’s headquarters in Oshodi for a special media briefing ahead of the upcoming Second Lagos Traffic Conference, scheduled for Monday, July 15, 2025.
Delivering the welcome address, Hon. Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, described the silver jubilee celebration as a pivotal moment for reflection, evaluation, and renewed commitment to public service and traffic reform in Lagos State.
Giwa emphasized that the founding of LASTMA in the year 2000, under the visionary leadership of then-Governor and now President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was a strategic response to the chaotic traffic conditions that once plagued Lagos. “The city’s vehicular gridlock, lack of enforcement coordination, and traffic lawlessness had reached alarming levels. LASTMA’s establishment became a revolutionary step toward restoring order on our roads,” he stated.
Over the past 25 years, LASTMA has evolved from an emergency intervention agency into a national model for traffic control and urban mobility management. With a workforce of over 4,000 officers strategically deployed across the state, the agency today handles traffic regulation, emergency response, enforcement of traffic laws, and road safety awareness campaigns.
Key Milestones Highlighted
Hon. Giwa outlined several landmark achievements recorded by the agency over its quarter-century existence:
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Technological Transformation:
LASTMA has deployed state-of-the-art tools including Traffic Management Solutions (TMS), real-time surveillance systems, a fully digitized Command and Control Centre, and Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems to streamline operations, minimize physical conflict, and enable data-driven enforcement. -
Capacity Building:
The agency has invested in comprehensive training for officers, locally and internationally, in areas such as emergency response, road safety, and traffic engineering. Collaborative partnerships with the FRSC Academy, Lagos Business School, International Road Federation, and Nigeria Police Force have enhanced professional development. -
Emergency Response Excellence:
LASTMA operatives have consistently served as first responders during accidents, vehicle fires, and road obstructions, helping prevent secondary incidents and restoring smooth traffic flow promptly. -
Public Enlightenment and Advocacy:
Through campaigns like “Drive Safely, Stay Alive,” and educational initiatives in schools, faith-based institutions, and media platforms, the agency has promoted safer driving habits and increased civic responsibility among motorists. -
Inter-agency Collaboration:
LASTMA maintains strong synergy with stakeholders such as LAMATA, VIS, LASEMA, LASAMBUS, and the Nigeria Police Force, ensuring a holistic approach to traffic policy implementation. It has also contributed to landmark reforms, including BRT lane enforcement, road signage modernization, and Lagos Transport Policy reengineering. -
Operational Expansion:
The agency has widened its reach through Area Commands and Zonal Offices, supported by a robust fleet of vehicles and motorcycles, and a dedicated toll-free hotline (080000527862) for faster response to road emergencies.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Blueprint and 2nd Lagos Traffic Conference
Hon. Giwa revealed that the forthcoming Second Lagos Traffic Conference, themed “Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovations,” will provide a platform for key discussions on the future of mobility in Lagos. The event, set for Eko Hotel and Suites on July 15, will gather policy experts, transportation technocrats, academics, civic leaders, and international development partners to brainstorm solutions for traffic challenges facing the megacity.
One of the major highlights of the conference, according to Giwa, will be the official unveiling of LASTMA’s 20-Year Strategic Blueprint for Traffic Management, a comprehensive roadmap designed to anticipate the impact of growing urbanization and future vehicular demands. The blueprint will focus on digital innovation, policy integration, sustainability, and smart mobility solutions.
GM Olalekan Oki Pays Tribute to Past Leadership
In his remarks, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Oki, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the former heads of the agency, describing their contributions as foundational to the growth and success of LASTMA. He specifically acknowledged the pioneering efforts of Engineer Adegboyega Coker, LASTMA’s first General Manager, whose framework set the tone for future administrations.
Oki also paid tribute to successive leaders including Mr. Yemi Odubela (CP Rtd), Mr. Young Arebamen (CP Rtd), Mr. Peter Oyedokun, Engr. Monsuru Alade Babatunde Edu, Alhaji Bashir Buraimoh, Mr. Chris Olakpe (AIG Rtd), Mr. Wale Musa, Engr. Olajide Oduyoye, and Mr. Bolaji Oreagba. “Their dedication, reform-minded leadership, and operational ingenuity have helped shape LASTMA into the formidable institution it is today,” he said.
Media Engagement and Public Partnership
Hon. Giwa extended appreciation to members of the media, acknowledging their role in amplifying the agency’s achievements, spotlighting areas for improvement, and sustaining public engagement. He emphasized the importance of ongoing media partnership in shaping positive public perception and accountability.
He concluded by reiterating that traffic management must be seen as a shared civic responsibility. “LASTMA is not a punitive institution; it is a partner in progress. Together—government, citizens, private sector—we can build a safer, more efficient, and more humane transportation ecosystem in Lagos,” he stated.
As Lagos State celebrates 25 years of traffic management reform, stakeholders are optimistic that the upcoming conference will inspire deeper innovation, cross-sectoral synergy, and citizen engagement for a smarter and safer Lagos.
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