By JKNewsMedia
A QUARTER-century after its founding, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has set its sights on a new era of predictive traffic intelligence and digital enforcement, marking the milestone with the unveiling of a commemorative 25th anniversary emblem at its headquarters in Oshodi.
The emblem—presented as a symbol of resilience and service—was introduced during a spirited ceremony attended by transportation stakeholders, civil society groups, media, and government officials.
LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the emblem as a visual chronicle of the agency’s evolution and enduring commitment to Lagosians.
“This emblem is more than a design—it tells our story,” said Bakare-Oki. “It captures the journey of a resilient agency, forged by the daily sacrifices of men and women who wear this uniform with pride and honour.”
LASTMA’s journey began in the year 2000 under the leadership of then-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Its original mission—to curb chaotic traffic in Africa’s largest city—was formalised through a directive from the Lagos State Head of Service and bolstered by legislative backing in subsequent years.
Over two and a half decades, LASTMA has become an integral force in Lagos’ transport system, managing gridlock, coordinating incident response, and shaping commuter behaviour through road safety education and enforcement.
Alongside the emblem launch, the agency unveiled forward-leaning strategies aimed at transforming it from a reactive traffic regulator into a proactive urban mobility manager.
Bakare-Oki announced that LASTMA has embraced the role of an “incident management agency,” focused on anticipation and prevention.
“We are no longer waiting for problems to occur. We are identifying them in advance and preventing them,” he said.
He revealed that the agency has begun integrating predictive traffic systems, smart surveillance, and digital enforcement tools into its operations.
Body-worn Traffic Monitoring Systems (TMS) and automated surveillance infrastructure are being introduced to reduce human interference and enhance accountability.
Though current TMS models face limitations such as storage issues and short recording durations, a phased upgrade is underway to improve performance.
LASTMA’s innovation strategy includes the planned deployment of between 3,000 and 5,000 smart cameras across Lagos, covering critical traffic corridors. ‘
These devices will work alongside advanced traffic lights, real-time analytics, and number plate recognition to monitor flow and enforce regulations.
This effort forms part of a broader vision encapsulated in the agency’s upcoming 20-Year Traffic Management Master Plan, expected to be unveiled during its July anniversary events.
The plan will chart a long-term path for Lagos to emerge as a global benchmark in smart urban mobility.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Giwa Shakirudeen Olushola, addressed the public perception of traffic enforcement, urging a balanced view of LASTMA officers.
“We often judge these officers by short moments—viral videos or roadside encounters. But we must remember, these are citizens like us, working under tough conditions to keep Lagos moving,” Giwa stated.
He stressed that LASTMA’s modern enforcement philosophy would prioritise education, citizen engagement, and behavioural change over punitive action.
Themed “LASTMA @ 25: Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads – Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovations,” the anniversary celebrations scheduled for 15–17 July 2025 will feature a Traffic Summit, policy dialogues, community outreach, and awards for service excellence.
Giwa praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, attributing the agency’s progress to his administration’s sustained investment in transport infrastructure and reform.
Bakare-Oki concluded with a call for public partnership in the next phase of LASTMA’s journey: “The next 25 years will require more trust, more innovation, and more responsibility—both from us as an agency and from the public we serve.”
