……warns security personnel to comply with traffic regulations across the State.

In response to series of complaints by motoring public on a regular traffic gridlocks every evenings from University of Lagos waterfront on 3rd Mainland Bridge inward Iyawo-Oworo, the Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority LASTMA yesterday night carried out an enforcement operations and contravened two private vehicles for flouting traffic Laws at Iyana-Oworo.

The Acting General Manager of LASTMA Mr. Bakare Oki who led the enforcement exercise that lasted between 6pm to 10pm disclosed that investigations conducted revealed that despite the standard Bus-stop provided by the Government at Iyana-Oworo, both private and commercial bus drivers still prefers to be dropping and picking passengers by the road side thereby causing serious traffic back log for motorists on daily basis.

He confirmed that the Agency had deployed Officers to managing and controlling traffic with empathy at different locations across the State.

The Acting General Manager stressed that under his watch activities of LASTMA Officers while discharging their statutory duties by ensuring unimpeded free flow of traffic would be closely monitored with the on-going re-organization within Surveillance and Monitoring Unit in order meet up with public expectations on Management of Traffic.

Mr. Oki said the Agency would not relent until zero tolerance on traffic gridlocks is achieved.

While imploring motorists to always obey traffic Laws as enshrined inside the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018, he however called on security personnel to part of the crusade by obeying traffic laws as anyone caught would be charged to the Lagos State Mobile Courts.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC), amidst other strategic plans, has called for closer partnership and collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force, in tackling emerging security threats and criminalities within Anambra and Enugu States respectively.

This call was made in Ukpo , Anambra State on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 by the NSCDC, Assistant Commandant General( ACG) superintending Zone K, Headquarters Awka, ACG Solomon Iyamu,  while on a courtesy visit to the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo, Anambra State, AIG Godwin Ndidi Aghaulor.

According to the Zone K ACG, the visit was part of his familiarization process of creating strong bond between sister agencies within the Zone.

He explained that his visit will not only strengthen the existing cordial collaboration and cooperation between the two agencies but also deepen the understanding and perspective of officers and men on harmonious coexistence.

“My aim here is to familiarize myself with your office , appreciate the Nigerian Police for assisting the NSCDC thus far in the discharge of its mandate and to further strengthen the bond between us . Security of the nation is so paramount that all security agencies must be on the same page, close rank and work with one mind to achieve a common goal. We can achieve this feat of course through persistent cooperation between us” he asserted.

ACG Iyamu further thanked the AIG for receiving his team describing it as a mark of unity and acceptance of NSCDC as partners in ensuring peace and stability of the two states. He advocated for the strengthening and improved intelligence sharing between the two Zones for efficient service delivery.

In his response, the Nigerian Police Zone 13 AIG, Mr. Godwin Aghaulor thanked the ACG for the visit and assured him of unflinching support .

“I am very pleased to receive you in my office, what you did is normal and commendable. We are working for the good of Nigerians, and for same purpose. It is therefore proper for us to synergize and collaborate. I assure you of my operational support and assistance . No security agency can fight insecurity alone but when we come together, we will achieve much more than we would have done individually. I look forward for a better working relationship ahead” he said.

AIG Aghaulor while acknowledging the indispensable role of NSCDC in the overall security architecture of the nation, promised to support the NSCDC in making the Zone safe and secure for economic development.

In the ACG’s entourage were Comdt. Edwin Osuala, Anambra State Commandant, Comdt. Edwin Ugwuja, 2ic to ACG, DCC Ugwuogo Eme Use, DC Investigation and Intelligence Dept Zone K, DCC Idang John, DC Ops Zone K, DSC Chukwuma Umeuwa , PA to ACG among others.

Mr. Bakare Oki Olalekan, the newly appointed Acting General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) over the weekend cautioned personnel of the Agency to be civil, demonstrate empathy and shun corruption in whatever guise while discharging their statutory duties on the road.

Mr. Oki disclosed this at Oshodi while speaking to Lastma Comptrollers, Commander and Zebras on his new vision and mission for the Agency.

The new Acting General Manager said it is a new dawn for traffic management in the State as the Agency would go all out to ensure that commuters have seamless experience traveling across the State.

Mr. Oki said he would not condone corruption or bribe-taking by any official, charging them to be civil when contravening traffic offenders.

“The public expect a corrupt-free LASTMA that will not be collecting bribes; therefore, you should be respectful and courteous even when you are apprehending an offender”

“Motorists want LASTMA that is decent and neat; we won’t tolerate laziness and lateness of our officers to their various duty posts”

He stressed that the new administration would carry out major re-organisation around the Provost/Surveillance Department for effective and efficient monitoring of activities of LASTMA personnel while on duty.

“We would ensure a conducive working environment, provide elaborate training schemes for our officers to meet up with International standard and best practices in traffic management”

While assuring of government commitment to the safety, welfare and right of personnel on duty, Mr. Oki warned motoring public particularly commercial bus drivers to always obey traffic regulations as stipulated in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018 (as amended)

Responding on behalf of LASTMA personnel, the Director of Operations Mr. Peter Gbejemede welcomed the new Acting General Manager and promised adequate loyalty to the new government.