Lagos, Nigeria – July 16, 2025
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), has concluded a two-day landmark conference aimed at enhancing traffic efficiency and road safety across the state. The event, held under the theme “Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovations,” also marked the 25th anniversary of LASTMA’s establishment.
The conference, which took place yesterday and today, brought together a wide range of stakeholders including government officials, traffic experts, civil society representatives, media professionals, and members of the public to reflect on LASTMA’s journey and chart a strategic course for its future.
Celebrating a Milestone
The event featured the official unveiling of the LASTMA 20-Year Policy Compendium — a forward-looking operational document capturing the agency’s milestones, strategies, and visionary goals for the future of traffic management in Lagos.
The conference also paid tribute to seven retired and serving traffic management heroes who were honoured for their significant contributions to urban mobility and public service.
Speaking during the event, the S.A Transport , Hon Sola Giwa read the communique, emphasized that the agency has grown into a symbol of structured traffic enforcement and a key pillar in the state’s urban mobility ecosystem. He noted that the 25th anniversary is not just a celebration, but a call to action to embrace innovation, collaboration, and citizen engagement.
Key Recommendations and Resolutions
Following robust deliberations, several strategic recommendations were unanimously adopted to further strengthen LASTMA’s mandate, boost morale among personnel, and enhance operational efficiency:
1. Zero Tolerance for Assault on LASTMA Officials
Stakeholders strongly condemned the increasing incidence of physical and verbal assault on LASTMA officers. It was resolved that any individual who assaults a LASTMA official — verbally or physically — will face immediate legal prosecution. Such cases will be widely publicized to serve as deterrence and uphold the dignity of uniformed officers.
2. Improved Public Image and Media Representation
To combat negative perceptions, LASTMA was urged to proactively manage its public image. The agency will expand its media engagement strategy by showcasing success stories and field operations through print and digital platforms. Mr. Babajide Johnson, a media consultant and journalist, pledged to support the airing of a 25th anniversary documentary on TVC at a subsidized rate in recognition of LASTMA’s public service.
3. Behavioral Science in Traffic Education
Experts advocated the incorporation of behavioral science principles into traffic education and enforcement. It was proposed that road safety education be embedded into the curricula of primary and secondary schools to nurture a new generation of responsible road users.
4. Mental Health and Psychological Evaluation
In line with safety-oriented reforms, attendees proposed the reintroduction of psychiatric assessments for individuals apprehended for driving against traffic (commonly known as “one-way driving”). This approach, they noted, could reinforce discipline and strengthen citizens' respect for traffic laws.
5. Capacity Building and International Exposure
The continuous professional development of LASTMA officers was identified as key to effective service delivery. The government was encouraged to sponsor international training, knowledge exchange programmes, and technical workshops to align the agency with global best practices.
6. Inter-Agency Collaboration
Participants called for improved coordination between LASTMA, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to foster seamless, unified traffic management across Lagos.
7. Institutional and Welfare Support
The state government was urged to ensure consistent funding and institutional protection for LASTMA. Officers’ welfare packages, including healthcare, safe working environments, affordable housing, and morale-boosting incentives, were deemed critical for job performance and motivation.
8. Smart Mobility and Innovation
The establishment of a Unified Mobility Control Centre was proposed to enable real-time monitoring and response. LASTMA was also advised to expand intelligent transport systems (ITS) across high-density corridors and train personnel in artificial intelligence and data analytics to enhance enforcement and incident management.
9. Research, Development, and Financial Inclusivity
In a forward-thinking move, stakeholders urged the government to invest in mobility research collaboratives, pilot innovation zones, and smart transport technologies. To further support officers’ welfare, LASTMA was encouraged to partner with cooperative societies and microfinance institutions to provide affordable loans for healthcare, education, and family needs.
A proposal was also made to introduce a LASTMA Social Structure System, featuring unique officer identification numbers linked to targeted subsidies and financial benefits.
A Vision for the Future
As Lagos continues to evolve as a mega city, the second Lagos Traffic Conference has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building smarter, safer, and more inclusive mobility systems. LASTMA’s 25-year milestone serves as a springboard for innovation-driven transformation, setting the stage for a more efficient traffic management system that meets the demands of a rapidly growing urban population.
