Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared that all those who attack officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will face the full weight of the law, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting uniformed personnel and enhancing road safety across the state.
Speaking through his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, at the second Lagos Traffic Conference held on Tuesday to mark LASTMA’s 25th anniversary, the governor condemned recent assaults on traffic officers and promised swift prosecution of offenders.
“Your uniform represents the thin yellow line that stands firmly between order and chaos on our roads,” Sanwo-Olu said, praising LASTMA officials for their service under “challenging and sometimes perilous” conditions.
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Themed “Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovations,” the event highlighted the agency’s efforts in traffic management and the government’s future plans.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that LASTMA is set to evolve into a technologically advanced agency, incorporating artificial intelligence, drone surveillance, and automated number plate recognition to respond to traffic incidents more efficiently.
“LASTMA of tomorrow will be a tech-driven agency capable of handling 21st-century mobility challenges,” the governor said, hinting at massive investments in smart traffic systems.
Experts Call for Smart Control Centres, AI Training
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Sridhar Uttara, President of U.S.-based engineering firm Infotran, urged Lagos to develop a Unified Mobility Control Centre and prioritize AI training for traffic officers, smart mobility labs, and R&D investments.
“Train traffic officers in data tools, build pilot zones, and ensure equity and safety in projects,” Uttara advised.
Traffic Officials Face Risks, But Remain Undeterred
Special Adviser on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa, emphasized that LASTMA officials go beyond easing congestion—they save lives, respond to accidents, and facilitate the seamless movement of goods and people.
He acknowledged lingering challenges, including:
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Driver indiscipline
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Inadequate infrastructure for Lagos’ booming population
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Commercial drivers’ repeated violations
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Public apathy toward traffic officers
“These are structural, behavioural, and systemic challenges, but they are not insurmountable,” Giwa noted.
Opeifa: LASTMA Is a Model of Policy Success
In a heartfelt goodwill message, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, described LASTMA as one of Nigeria’s most effective public policies.
“LASTMA balances enforcement with public pride. Some officers have paid the ultimate price to keep Lagos moving. They deserve more appreciation,” he said, recalling fallen officers who lost their lives managing traffic in Apapa.
The Silver Jubilee celebration ended with renewed calls for collaboration, innovation, and public respect for traffic personnel working daily to ensure Lagos stays in motion.
