The Lagos State Government has launched a rigorous enforcement campaign to clamp down on articulated vehicles defying the existing ban on using the Third Mainland Bridge, impounding over 10 trucks during its opening operation over the weekend.

The government said the move was designed to protect public safety, preserve the structural integrity of one of Nigeria’s most critical bridges, and ensure compliance with traffic laws.

Speaking to journalists during the launch of the exercise, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Honourable Sola Giwa, stated that the enforcement action followed a long period of public sensitization and stakeholder engagement.

“The Third Mainland Bridge is categorically excluded from the list of permissible routes for some articulated vehicles. This restriction is clearly enshrined in the law, and non-compliance will be met with decisive sanctions. Officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have begun a full-scale enforcement operation, and defaulters will be apprehended and penalized without exemption,” Hon. Giwa declared.

Tech-Driven Safety Measures

To bolster enforcement efforts and deter violations, the state government has deployed a network of high-definition speed enforcement cameras across the Third Mainland Bridge. These smart surveillance tools are intended to capture traffic violations in real-time and enhance safety monitoring.

“The deployment of these technologically advanced monitoring tools is a critical component of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s broader strategy to entrench road safety, prevent structural fatigue, and engender responsible driving behaviour—particularly on high-risk corridors such as this bridge,” Giwa explained.

Why the Crackdown Matters

The Third Mainland Bridge, a vital artery linking the Lagos Mainland to the Island’s commercial districts, has recently undergone major rehabilitation. Authorities warn that continued misuse by heavy-duty vehicles, particularly those exceeding 9 tonnes, could compromise its structural stability and endanger lives.

Traffic statutes, as issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, prohibit the movement of articulated vehicles across several major bridges during peak hours to ease congestion and avoid stress-induced damage.

“This initiative is not punitive in nature,” said Giwa. “It is a methodical, lawful response calibrated to protect the common good, extend the functional lifespan of public infrastructure, and promote seamless traffic flow across the metropolis.”

Logistics Operators Put on Notice

In a stern warning to operators in the freight and logistics sector, the government urged immediate compliance with designated vehicle routes.

“The period of indulgence is over. Ample sensitization has been undertaken, and the regulatory position is unambiguous. Any truck operator found flouting the prohibition will have their vehicle impounded immediately, and appropriate sanctions will be enforced in line with the law,” Giwa said.

LASTMA has also recalibrated its operational focus to support the new directive, increasing patrols and surveillance on the bridge and its access points.

A Core Part of THEMES+ Agenda

The truck restriction enforcement aligns with Lagos State’s broader development framework, THEMES+, with transportation and traffic management as one of its key pillars. The government emphasized that the policy was introduced to benefit all road users and secure the state’s infrastructure investment.

Members of the public, especially logistics stakeholders, have been urged to cooperate with LASTMA officials and abide by the new restrictions.

“These regulations are fundamentally geared towards the collective wellbeing of all Lagosians,” the government stressed.

The Lagos State Government has marked the 25th anniversary of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), celebrating the agency’s transformative journey from manual whistle-based traffic control to a technology-driven traffic management powerhouse.

In a series of speeches delivered during the silver jubilee celebrations, dignitaries praised LASTMA as a pioneering model in traffic regulation, a policy innovation hub, and a key player in reducing congestion in Africa’s most populous city.

Innovation Born of Necessity

Speaking at the event, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, representing the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olushola Sanwoolu, recalled the origins of LASTMA, established on July 15, 2000, to tackle persistent traffic congestion that once crippled the city.

“We created LASTMA to restore order, save lost hours, and improve lives. Today, the agency has grown into a sophisticated mobility management institution,” Dr. Hamzat said.

He emphasized that LASTMA’s reach now spans beyond Lagos: 26 Nigerian states have mirrored its model, and four West African countries have trained under its framework.

Technological Transformation

Dr. Hamzat noted that LASTMA has evolved from manual hand signals to deploying digital technologies like real-time traffic surveillance, automatic number plate recognition, and a fluid command center that enhances transparency and responsiveness.

Supporting infrastructure like the Lagos State Traffic Radio 96.1 FM, zonal command centers, and an expanded fleet have strengthened LASTMA’s city-wide footprint.

Honouring Sacrifice and Vision

In a solemn tribute, Hamzat honored fallen officers who died in the line of duty.

“We will continue to invest in their welfare, equipment, and training to support the difficult jobs they do daily.”

The Deputy Governor also revealed plans for AI-powered intelligent transport systems, drone-assisted surveillance, and green mobility incentives.

Legislative and Economic Support

Hon. Temitope Jah, a long-standing member of the Lagos House of Assembly, lauded LASTMA as the “custodian of transport reform” and said the House has strengthened the agency through protective laws, incident allowances, and mandatory health insurance.

“A day without LASTMA officers would bring chaos to Lagos. Their visibility is crucial.”

Policy Framework and Regional Influence

Transportation policy expert and the Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporate, Dr. Kayode Opeifa described LASTMA as a “master school of public policy.”

“There was no global template for this when we started. LASTMA represents the first successful attempt to decentralize traffic management in Nigeria.”

Opeifa added that LASTMA’s resilience over 25 years, unlike many failed initiatives, makes it an institutional model for sustainable reform.

From Congestion to Control

Hon. Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, emphasized Lagos’ scale and complexity. With 1.2 million registered vehicles and 4–6 hours lost in traffic daily, the city faces ₦1 trillion in annual productivity losses.

“Yet each LASTMA officer now contributes nearly ₦9.75 million in value to the state’s economy annually,” he revealed.

Giwa highlighted ongoing efforts such as intelligent traffic light synchronization, rail and ferry infrastructure, and green commuting incentives.

Royal Recognition and Civic Encouragement

The Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo praised LASTMA as one of Lagos’ best agencies.

“Their work, sometimes in 10-13 hour shifts, under the sun and rain, is worthy of emulation,” he said.

He called on the public to treat LASTMA officials with more respect and commended the Lagos State Governor for continuous support.

Security and Traffic Synergy

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood, emphasized the complementary yet hierarchical role of the police and LASTMA.

“The Nigeria Police deploys over 5,000 officers daily for traffic control. We remain the only agency empowered to investigate road accidents,” he said.

He lauded LASTMA as “family” and reaffirmed the strong inter-agency collaboration among the police, FRSC, and LASTMA.

Global Perspective: AI and the Future

International transportation expert Dr. Uttara Sridhar, who has worked with Lagos since 2008, called on Lagos to adopt global best practices, including vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, unified mobility control centers, and AI-driven traffic predictions.

“By 2050, autonomous vehicles will dominate the roads with zero fatalities. Lagos has the potential to lead Africa in this movement.”

As LASTMA celebrates its legacy, the agency is also looking forward—to an era defined by smart systems, sustainability, and strengthened partnerships with residents, unions, and policymakers.

Winners of the LASTMA Road Safety Competition.

Highlight of the included honouring winners of the Lagos State Road Safety Competition organised by LASTMA across schools in Lagos state.

The Oyo State Government has begun strict enforcement of its QR code jacket policy for commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, in a bid to tackle rising insecurity linked to unregistered operators across the state.

In a statement released on Saturday, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.), Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), said the enforcement drive has been intensified following a surge in criminal activities involving untraceable commercial riders.

According to him, the directive is being reinforced by the Office of the Governor through the Senior Special Assistant on ICT and E-Governance, Mr. Adebayo Akande, who has mandated OYRTMA to scale up both enforcement and public awareness.

“The government will intensify enforcement and public awareness campaigns to ensure compliance,” Adesagba stated. “Despite the initial provision of free QR code jackets, many riders have refused to comply, giving criminals an opportunity to impersonate commercial operators.”

He recalled recent cases that highlighted the urgency of the situation, including an armed robbery at Bodija Market where bandits escaped on an unmarked motorcycle after dispossessing a trader at gunpoint. In another instance, a passenger was robbed by a fake Okada rider around the Challenge area.

“A kidnapping attempt was foiled after locals reported suspicious riders without QR code jackets on the UI-Agbowo Axis,” Adesagba added.

Real-Time Safety, Verification, and Control

The QR code jacket initiative, introduced in November 2023 under the State Residents’ Registration Scheme, allows for real-time rider verification. It is also designed to boost public safety, facilitate emergency tracking, and foster trust between commuters and transport operators.

Authorities say the jackets are digitally linked to a database of registered riders, ensuring that each operator can be verified on the spot by passengers or security personnel.

New Enforcement Measures

OYRTMA has now rolled out a set of robust measures to drive compliance, including:

Daily raids and impoundment of motorcycles without QR code jackets

Fines and possible prosecution for violators

Joint enforcement with security agencies to ensure full state coverage

In a public appeal, OYRTMA urged residents to cooperate with the initiative for their safety and security. The agency encouraged commuters to patronize only operators wearing the official QR code jackets and to promote awareness using the hashtag #NoBarcodeNoRide across social media platforms.

Oyo Government Reiterates Commitment to Public Safety

Prince Dotun Oyelade, the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, endorsed the enforcement campaign, stressing that it aligns with the state’s commitment to securing lives and property.

“The government assures that this policy is for the safety of all residents, and defaulters will be barred from operating on Oyo State roads,” the commissioner stated in the signed release.

As security concerns grow nationwide, Oyo’s QR code-based approach is gaining attention as a model for digital governance and road traffic safety in Nigeria.