LASTMA Inducts Journalists as “Media Mayors” to Strengthen Traffic Management Collaboration

LASTMA Inducts Journalists as “Media Mayors” to Strengthen Traffic Management Collaboration

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has formally inducted selected journalists as “Media Mayors” in a new initiative aimed at deepening collaboration between the agency and the media in the management of traffic across the state.

Speaking at the induction ceremony held on Wednesday, September 22, 2025, at the agency’s headquarters in Oshodi, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the programme as a strategic partnership to enhance transparency, public enlightenment, and accountability in traffic management.

Bakare-Oki noted that the “Media Mayor” initiative was designed to integrate journalists into LASTMA’s operational framework, empowering them to serve as advocates for road safety, disseminators of timely traffic intelligence, and watchdogs against malpractices on Lagos roads.

“By inducting you today as Media Mayors, we confer not merely a ceremonial accolade but a profound responsibility to serve as the voice and conscience of our collective aspiration for a Lagos in which traffic discipline and orderliness prevail unfailingly,” he said.

The LASTMA boss outlined the responsibilities of the newly inducted Media Mayors to include:

• Dissemination of accurate and timely traffic information to commuters.
• Exposure of infractions and systemic lapses with objectivity and integrity.
• Active participation in public enlightenment campaigns to promote compliance with traffic regulations.
• Provision of evidence-based feedback to strengthen LASTMA’s strategies.

Bakare-Oki highlighted that Lagos, with less than 1% of Nigeria’s landmass but the highest population density, presents unique traffic management challenges. He revealed that the state accommodates more than two million vehicles daily, far above international standards, which prescribe 11 vehicles per kilometre compared to Lagos’ staggering 400 vehicles per kilometre.

He further disclosed that Lagos is home to 69 tertiary institutions, 26 deposit money banks, and a large concentration of industrial and commercial activities. According to him, 70 percent of cargo movements—both wet and dry—occur in the state, while more than 90 percent of transportation in Lagos still takes place on the roads despite limited land space.

“Despite these overwhelming challenges, LASTMA officers remain the first responders at major accidents and traffic incidents across the state, often working alongside other critical agencies such as the Lagos State Fire Service, Emergency Services, and Ambulance Services,” he added.

The General Manager assured that the agency is committed to deploying cutting-edge technology, including Traffic Management Systems, drones, and hotlines, alongside human capacity to achieve seamless traffic flow and safeguard lives and property.

He described the induction of journalists as a “solemn covenant” between LASTMA and the media, stressing that effective traffic governance is a collective responsibility.

Bakare-Oki congratulated the new Media Mayors, charging them to make their tenure impactful through responsible reporting and public education.