Transportation
Bakare-Oki’s LASTMA Legacy: Beyond Traffic Enforcement in Lagos by Adebayo Taofiq
Beyond traffic enforcement, LASTMA is undergoing a push towards professionalism, technology, accountability and public service but the durability of these changes will ultimately determine Olalekan Bakare-Oki’s legacy.
In Lagos, traffic management is about far more than keeping vehicles moving.
Every day, millions of journeys take place across the city’s highways, bridges and inner-city roads. The quality of traffic management affects how quickly people get to work, how businesses move goods, how emergency services respond to incidents and, ultimately, whether lives are saved.
It is against this backdrop that the leadership of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) under its General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, deserves attention.
In my view, his approach represents an attempt to redefine what Lagosians should expect from a modern traffic-management agency.
The objective should not be enforcement for its own sake.
A contemporary traffic agency must be professional, technologically capable, accountable and conscious that every interaction with a road user represents an interaction between government and citizen.
Redefining the LASTMA officer
The most important part of any institution is its people.
Technology can improve operations, but it cannot replace the judgement, discipline and professionalism of the officer standing on the road.
That is why training and retraining are central to the emerging philosophy at LASTMA.
The modern LASTMA officer should be equipped with more than the ability to direct traffic or enforce regulations.
He should understand crisis management, communication, emotional intelligence, ethical conduct, human rights and the psychology of road users.
This represents an important shift in institutional thinking.
The officer should not be seen only as an enforcer.
He should also be regarded as an ambassador of government, a custodian of public safety and, in many circumstances, a first responder.
Every encounter between an officer and a motorist can either strengthen public confidence or deepen distrust.
That places a significant responsibility on the officer.
From manual enforcement to intelligent mobility
Technology is perhaps the most visible aspect of the transformation I see taking place at LASTMA.
Surveillance cameras, drones, Traffic Management System devices, patrol vehicles, body-worn cameras, intelligent communication systems and command-and-control mechanisms are changing how traffic officers can monitor and respond to incidents.
The significance of this goes beyond acquiring modern equipment.
Technology gives an agency the opportunity to move from simply reacting to traffic problems to anticipating and managing them.
This matters particularly in Lagos.
A crash or broken-down vehicle can quickly turn a local obstruction into congestion across several adjoining roads. Early detection and rapid intervention can therefore save valuable time and prevent secondary incidents.
The newly inaugurated LASTMA toll-free short code, 3367, also provides another important link between the agency and the public.
The platform gives residents a direct channel through which they can report traffic incidents, complaints and commendations.
More importantly, it creates an opportunity for LASTMA to hear directly from the people it serves.
But technology must serve a purpose.
Its success should ultimately be judged by whether it improves response times, strengthens accountability and produces better outcomes for road users.
The human story behind the numbers
Traffic statistics can sometimes obscure the human consequences of what happens on Lagos roads.
Behind every crash is a person.
Behind every vehicle breakdown is a motorist who may be stranded in dangerous circumstances.
Behind every obstruction cleared is a road corridor that can return to productive use.
LASTMA reported that in 2024 it attended to 2,051 crashes involving 3,754 vehicles, rescued 1,075 people and responded to more than 5,100 vehicular breakdowns.
These figures demonstrate the scale of the responsibility carried by the agency.
Yet the significance of the work cannot be captured entirely in statistics.
A person reached by emergency responders in time may go home to a family that evening.
A secondary crash prevented by quickly clearing an obstruction may never appear in an official report.
For me, this humanitarian dimension is one of the most important aspects of traffic management.
The ultimate purpose is not simply to clear roads.
It is to protect people.
Accountability must accompany authority
Traffic officers exercise considerable authority.
That authority must come with accountability.
No enforcement institution can maintain public confidence if citizens believe that officers can act without consequences for misconduct.
This makes integrity and discipline essential to LASTMA’s future.
The position against corruption and professional misconduct must therefore extend beyond public statements.
It must be reflected in supervision, investigations, disciplinary procedures and the everyday conduct of officers.
The principle should be simple: authority must always be accompanied by responsibility.
Technology can assist this process.
Body-worn cameras, digital reporting systems and central monitoring can create better records of interactions between officers and road users.
But technology alone cannot guarantee integrity.
Management must also be willing to investigate complaints and take appropriate action when officers breach professional standards.
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Collaboration beyond the road
Traffic management does not happen in isolation.
LASTMA’s work intersects with the police, emergency services, transport unions, infrastructure agencies, community leaders and the media.
No single institution can solve Lagos’ traffic problems alone.
This is why stakeholder engagement matters.
The LASTMA Media Mayors initiative, for example, recognises the role journalists can play in public enlightenment.
A well-informed media can help explain traffic regulations, warn motorists about dangerous behaviour and communicate important changes to the public.
But collaboration should not mean the media becomes an extension of any government agency.
Journalists must retain their responsibility to question institutions, investigate complaints and hold public officials accountable.
That independence ultimately benefits both the public and the institutions being scrutinised.
What should define Bakare-Oki’s legacy?
Every public servant eventually faces the same question:
What remains after the office is gone?
An administrator may leave behind memories.
A transformative leader should leave behind systems.
For Bakare-Oki, the lasting test will therefore be whether the changes being pursued at LASTMA survive beyond his tenure.
Will professional training become part of the agency’s permanent culture?
Will technology remain embedded in daily operations?
Will accountability remain non-negotiable?
Will emergency response continue to improve?
Will Lagosians develop greater confidence in the officers they encounter on the roads?
These questions are more important than any title or accolade.
A legacy is not created simply because an administration introduces new equipment, launches initiatives or makes ambitious promises.
It is created when those initiatives become institutional practices that continue to deliver results.
More than traffic
The story of LASTMA is ultimately connected to the story of Lagos itself.
A city cannot sustain economic growth when people and goods cannot move efficiently.
Every hour lost in unnecessary congestion carries an economic cost.
Every road crash carries a human cost.
Every poorly handled interaction between an enforcement officer and a citizen can weaken trust in government.
That is why the effort to improve traffic management deserves attention beyond the agency itself.
If Bakare-Oki succeeds in embedding professionalism, technology, accountability and improved emergency response into LASTMA’s institutional culture, his contribution will extend beyond the period of his administration.
He will have helped move the agency from a narrow perception of traffic enforcement towards a broader understanding of traffic management as a public-service responsibility.
That, ultimately, is the real test of his tenure.
Not simply how many vehicles were moved.
Not simply how many violations were recorded.
But whether LASTMA becomes a more professional, accountable and trusted institution capable of meeting the mobility challenges of a rapidly changing Lagos.
That is why the Bakare-Oki story is bigger than traffic.
It is a story about institution-building.
And if the reforms endure after the man who introduced them has left office, then the legacy will not belong only to Bakare-Oki. It will belong to the institution he helped reshape and to the Lagosians who depend on it every day.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says it rescued 670 people and responded to 1,409 road traffic crashes across Lagos State in nine months, highlighting the demands on emergency responders in Nigeria’s commercial hub.
The figures, disclosed by the authority over the weekend, cover a nine-month period whose exact start and end dates were not specified in its statement.
LASTMA said its officers had continued to respond to crash scenes, assist victims and manage traffic disruptions to reduce the risk of further collisions.
Beyond traffic control: LASTMA’s emergency response role
Although LASTMA is primarily associated with traffic management and enforcement, its officers also play a role in emergency response when road crashes occur.
According to the authority, its personnel conduct preliminary assessments at crash scenes, help rescue victims, redirect traffic and facilitate access for emergency services.
These interventions are intended to prevent secondary collisions, ease congestion and allow other responders to reach injured people.
LASTMA said it coordinates with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) and Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service during emergency operations.
The agency did not provide a breakdown of the 1,409 crashes by location, severity, cause or time of occurrence. It also did not state how many of the 670 people rescued sustained injuries or required hospital treatment.
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What the figures mean for Lagos road users
The reported figures offer an indication of the volume of road incidents requiring intervention across Lagos, where heavy traffic and frequent movement of commercial and private vehicles make road safety a significant public concern.
However, the number of crash responses alone does not establish whether road accidents are increasing or decreasing. A comparison with figures from previous periods, alongside data on fatalities, injuries and crash causes, would be needed to assess changes in road safety.
The absence of a detailed breakdown also makes it difficult to identify the areas or road-user groups most affected by the reported incidents.
Such information could help authorities and road users better understand where enforcement, public education and infrastructure improvements may be most needed.
LASTMA urges motorists to observe traffic rules
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the authority would continue to strengthen its emergency response operations, increase public awareness and promote compliance with traffic regulations.
He identified prompt incident reporting and cooperation among emergency agencies as important measures for reducing casualties.
Bakare-Oki urged motorists to observe speed limits, obey traffic signals, wear seat belts and maintain roadworthy vehicles.
He also warned against distracted driving and reckless manoeuvres, urging private motorists, commercial transport operators and dispatch riders to exercise caution.
Pedestrians were also encouraged to remain vigilant and comply with traffic directives.
How to report a road emergency in Lagos
LASTMA urged members of the public to report road crashes, obstructions and other incidents requiring traffic intervention through its toll-free short code, **3367**.
Prompt reporting can help alert responders to incidents and assist them in coordinating traffic management and rescue efforts.
Road users should provide clear information about an incident’s location when contacting emergency services and avoid actions that could expose them or others to further danger.
The wider road safety challenge
Road crashes can result in deaths, long-term injuries, financial losses and emotional distress for victims and their families.
LASTMA said responsible driving, regular vehicle inspections and adherence to traffic regulations remained important measures for reducing preventable crashes.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to incident response, cooperation with emergency agencies and public enlightenment.
For Lagos residents, the reported rescues highlight the importance of knowing how to report an emergency. A fuller assessment of road safety across the state, however, will require more detailed and comparable data on crashes, injuries and fatalities.
The management of the Omi Eko Project has defended its implementation timeline, saying technical assessments, engineering designs and procurement processes must precede major construction work on the Lagos waterways transportation initiative.
In a statement issued in response to public concerns about the project’s progress, the management said the absence of visible infrastructure at an early stage should not be interpreted as evidence that work has stalled.
The clarification comes amid questions raised by an online news platform about the delivery of physical infrastructure seven months after the project’s launch.
However, the management did not provide specific milestones already completed, a detailed construction schedule or a date for when residents should expect to see major physical works.
Why the Omi Eko Project matters
The Omi Eko Project is designed to modernise Lagos State’s waterways transportation system, with the stated goal of creating a safer, more efficient and environmentally sustainable transport network.
Water transportation is an important part of discussions about mobility in Lagos, a state where road congestion places pressure on commuters and the wider economy.
The project’s eventual impact will depend on the infrastructure delivered, the reliability of water transport services, passenger safety and how effectively waterways are integrated into the state’s wider transport network.
For residents, a key measure of progress will be whether the initiative translates into practical improvements in commuting, accessibility and travel times.
Management points to planning and procurement
In its response, the project management said major infrastructure developments typically involve several stages before construction becomes visible to the public.
These include planning and procurement, design, infrastructure development, implementation and evaluation.
According to the statement, preparatory work involves technical assessments, detailed engineering designs, procurement procedures and stakeholder engagement.
The management said these processes are necessary to ensure that the project is technically sound, financially responsible and environmentally sustainable.
It also urged journalists and members of the public to verify information through official channels before circulating reports about the project’s implementation.
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Questions about progress remain
While the statement explains why physical construction may not be immediately visible, it does not identify specific activities completed since the project’s launch.
It also does not disclose the proportion of preparatory work completed, the status of procurement, the expected start dates for major construction activities or an updated delivery timetable.
Publishing these details would give residents and other stakeholders a clearer basis for assessing progress beyond the presence or absence of visible structures.
Regular updates on expenditure, procurement, construction milestones and expected benefits could also help the public distinguish between necessary preparatory work and delays requiring further explanation.
The management said it remained committed to transparency, accountability and the successful delivery of the project.
What happens next?
The next important developments will be the disclosure of verifiable implementation milestones and progress towards physical infrastructure delivery.
Updates on engineering and procurement milestones, construction schedules and the expected completion dates for individual project components would help the public understand how the initiative is advancing.
For Lagos commuters, the central question is when the project’s plans will begin translating into tangible improvements in water transportation.
NigeriaUpdates will continue to monitor developments surrounding the Omi Eko Project and its implications for public transportation in Lagos.
Lagos ferry safety training has moved into a new phase, with participants in the FerrySafe Programme completing practical exercises aboard two passenger ferries ahead of a month-long module on vessel surveys and inspections.
The September training focused on safety management systems, emergency preparedness and operational procedures, combining international maritime expertise with onboard exercises designed to strengthen safety practices on inland waterways.
The programme, supported by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and other maritime stakeholders, is scheduled to begin Module 6, covering survey and inspection, throughout October 2026.
Practical drills take training aboard passenger ferries
The latest phase of the FerrySafe Programme culminated in an onboard exercise on September 30, when participants conducted safety management drills aboard MF EJIRIN and MF ITESIWAJU, two 60-seater passenger ferries.
The exercise was facilitated by Effiong Abasiubong and Samuel Nwosu of Coastal Maritime Academy Lagos. It gave participants practical exposure to safety procedures, emergency preparedness and operational protocols.
LAGFERRY provided the vessels for the exercise through its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ladi Balogun.
The practical session followed a September 23 mentorship event featuring Mike Corrigan, chief executive of Interferry, an international association representing the ferry industry.
Corrigan discussed global safety governance, risk management and operational leadership, according to the programme organisers.
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Why safety management matters on Lagos waterways
Safety management systems help ferry operators identify operational risks, establish procedures for emergencies and promote consistent safety practices.
For passengers who depend on ferries to travel across Lagos, effective safety procedures and properly trained crews are important parts of efforts to reduce risks during water transport.
The programme’s combination of expert mentorship and onboard drills is intended to help participants connect international safety principles with the practical demands of ferry operations.
However, the completion of a training module does not, by itself, establish that all participating operators or vessels meet every applicable safety requirement. The programme’s longer-term impact will depend on how the lessons are applied in day-to-day operations.
International experts to support vessel inspection training
The next phase, Module 6: Survey and Inspection, will run throughout October 2026.
According to the organisers, participants will receive mentorship from surveyors affiliated with the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).
The training will focus on vessel inspection, compliance and maritime safety assurance. These areas are relevant to assessing vessel condition and checking whether ships meet applicable technical and safety requirements.
The programme did not provide details of the specific vessels to be inspected during Module 6, the number of participants involved or the criteria that will be used to assess their performance.
LASWA acknowledges partners behind programme
The organisers acknowledged the contributions of Coastal Maritime Academy Lagos, LAGFERRY crew members, LASWA and the Lagos State Government to the programme.
They also recognised Shari Corrigan, Interferry’s director of conference and finance and FerrySafe executive sponsor, for her support, alongside Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, special adviser on blue economy to the Lagos State governor.
The FerrySafe Team Lagos was also commended for coordinating the training.
Programme coordinators said they remained committed to improving maritime safety through professional development, international collaboration and practical training.
As the programme enters its inspection phase, the key test will be how effectively participants translate the training into improved safety practices across inland waterways in Lagos and the wider region.
For enquiries: LASWA can be contacted through its official communication channels, including 0700 CALL LASWA and 08090129777. Its social media handles are @talktolaswa on Instagram and X.
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