LASTMA Cracks Down on Traffic Obstruction by Event Centres, Nightclubs in Lagos

LASTMA Cracks Down on Traffic Obstruction by Event Centres, Nightclubs in Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria – August 3, 2025

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued a strong warning to operators of event centres, nightclubs, recreational lounges, and organisers of social gatherings across the state to desist from obstructing traffic flow on public roads.

The directive was delivered over the weekend by LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, during surveillance and spot inspections of major traffic corridors in Lagos. He expressed deep concern over the frequent and deliberate conversion of roadways into parking spaces by some venues during events, resulting in severe traffic disruptions and hardship for road users.

“No individual, organisation, or event host has the right to use public roads as extensions of their private activities,” Bakare-Oki said. “Going forward, any venue found to have caused traffic obstruction through illegal parking or road encroachment will face immediate sanctions, including legal action.”

The warning comes amid increasing complaints from commuters and emergency services about blocked access roads during high-capacity events, especially on weekends and holidays.

To ensure compliance, Bakare-Oki directed all LASTMA Zonal Commanders and monitoring teams to intensify patrols, scale up intelligence, and deploy personnel to identified hotspots across the metropolis. He urged Lagosians to report traffic infractions via the Agency’s toll-free emergency line: 0800-00-LASTMA (080000527862).

The General Manager also advised event organisers and hospitality business owners to consult with LASTMA in advance and implement effective traffic management plans for large events. He encouraged them to hire certified traffic officers and ensure their activities do not impede public mobility.

As Lagos continues its transformation through smart infrastructure and digital governance under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Bakare-Oki said there is a growing need for all stakeholders to respect traffic laws and protect public infrastructure.

“Traffic congestion caused by unregulated social gatherings undermines public safety, disrupts economic activity, and is a disservice to the collective good,” he noted.

He reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to working with security agencies and relevant bodies to enforce a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of road obstruction, regardless of the social or commercial context.

The Agency called on stakeholders in the entertainment, hospitality, and event sectors to act responsibly by adhering strictly to traffic regulations, thereby supporting efforts to create a more orderly, mobile, and liveable Lagos.