In a decisive move to ensure smooth traffic flow across Lagos State during the festive period, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to intensify night traffic monitoring in key areas, including Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island, Ajah, and other congestion-prone zones.

The Governor’s directive is part of the administration’s efforts to guarantee unhampered mobility for residents and visitors alike throughout the Yuletide season. This initiative focuses on the immediate clearance of road obstructions and quick resolution of traffic incidents that could disrupt vehicular and pedestrian movement.

To execute the Governor’s directive, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, instructed LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, to ensure prompt compliance.

In response, Mr. Bakare-Oki has mobilized over 2,500 LASTMA officers for deployment across Lagos. These officers, equipped with advanced traffic management tools, including heavy-duty and mini towing vehicles, will work round-the-clock to monitor traffic and provide real-time interventions.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Bakare-Oki reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to achieving the Governor’s vision of seamless mobility in Lagos during the festive period.

“Our personnel are fully equipped and strategically positioned to promptly address any traffic challenges that may arise. This initiative aligns with the Governor’s vision of a Lagos where mobility remains unhindered throughout the festive period,” he stated.

The deployment will focus on historically congested areas such as Ikoyi, Obalende, Victoria Island, and the Lekki-Ajah axis, where traffic tends to build up significantly during peak hours.

Mr. Bakare-Oki also appealed to residents to cooperate with traffic officials and adhere to traffic rules to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles across the state. He reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to maintaining order on Lagos roads and providing timely assistance to road users.

“Our officers are not only prepared but also fully dedicated to making this Yuletide season stress-free for all Lagosians. We urge the public to comply with traffic laws and report incidents promptly using our toll-free hotline,” he added.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to report any traffic-related issues by contacting LASTMA via their toll-free hotline: 080000527862.

This proactive approach by the Lagos State Government underscores its dedication to enhancing traffic management and ensuring a joyous and stress-free festive season for everyone.

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Female Elite Corps, led by General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki, paid a courtesy visit to the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, at the State House, Marina, Lagos, to discuss health, safety, and societal development initiatives.

The visit, held earlier today, highlighted critical issues affecting LASTMA officers, including health risks, digital literacy, and public engagement strategies, especially during the high-risk ember months.

During her address, Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the significance of health awareness for LASTMA personnel, considering the physical demands and environmental hazards associated with their work. She called for regular health evaluations to safeguard their well-being.

“Your health is indispensable,” she stated. “Routine medical checkups are not just necessary but essential to preserving your productivity and resilience in the face of daily challenges.”

The First Lady also highlighted the importance of digital literacy, encouraging officers, especially mothers, to acquire and impart computer and internet proficiency to their children.

“Digital literacy is a must-have skill in today’s era. Mothers must ensure their children are equipped with these competencies to achieve purposeful lives,” she said.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu reiterated her commitment to advocacy campaigns addressing sexual harassment, child abuse, gender equity, HIV awareness, and immunization. She called on the Female Elite Corps to promote family values and personal ambition within their families.

She further advised LASTMA officers to prioritize physical fitness, suggesting exercises like swimming for overall health improvement.

“Let me emphasize that maintaining physical fitness is equally critical for LASTMA officers, given the demands of your role,” she added. “Engaging in exercises like swimming, which greatly benefits the body and overall system, is highly recommended.”

In his remarks, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki elaborated on the establishment of the LASTMA Female Elite Corps in late 2023. He explained that the unit was created to intensify public education on responsible driving practices, particularly during the ember months when road accidents are more prevalent.

He also highlighted LASTMA’s efforts to improve public engagement, including the launch of a Toll-Free Call Centre (0800-005-27862) to address traffic-related issues promptly.

“The launch of our Toll-Free Call Centre has been instrumental in fostering seamless communication between the agency and the public, enabling us to promptly address traffic-related concerns,” he noted.

Mr. Bakare-Oki emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring commuters’ safety and efficient traffic management across Lagos.

This visit underscores LASTMA’s dedication to forging partnerships that prioritize officer welfare, public enlightenment, and safer roads in Lagos State.

The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has launched an extensive enforcement operation against illegal street trading across key areas of Ibadan metropolis. The exercise, which took place over the weekend, targeted major locations including Oritamerin, Gege, Agbeni, and Ogunpa.

Leading the operation was the Chairman of OYRTMA, Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd), accompanied by the agency’s General Manager, Commander Ayoade Adekola.

According to Adesagba, the operation aimed to clear roads obstructed by makeshift markets, which had resulted in persistent traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and blocked drainage systems.

“The OYRTMA’s enforcement operation is part of the Oyo State Government’s broader efforts to reduce accidents and improve road safety,” Adesagba said. “This government’s initiatives have led to a significant reduction in accidents, making the roads safer for marketers and road users alike.”

The agency seized market stalls from non-compliant traders and imposed fines on offenders as a deterrent. Furthermore, 12 individuals operating an illegal motor park within the affected areas were apprehended and fined.

Adesagba expressed disappointment at the failure of some traders to adhere to government regulations, emphasizing that their activities violated environmental laws and exacerbated flooding through indiscriminate waste disposal.

“The areas have been converted into makeshift markets, causing severe traffic congestion and environmental pollution,” he noted. “These activities not only disrupt smooth traffic flow but also worsen the drainage systems, leading to preventable flooding in the city.”

OYRTMA reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and organized trading environment. Adesagba urged traders to desist from selling on the roads, emphasizing that the enforcement exercise is designed to protect lives and property.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, commended OYRTMA’s efforts in fostering a conducive environment for business and transportation in the state. He described the enforcement as critical to sustaining the Oyo State Government’s drive toward safer and cleaner cities.