Eighteen drivers in Lagos are set to undergo psychiatric evaluations after they were caught driving against traffic, in what the state government describes as a firm move to restore sanity on the roads.
The directive, issued by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), is part of a wider crackdown on dangerous driving practices. The agency said the affected motorists were arrested for deliberately flouting traffic rules by taking one-way routes, a common but hazardous offense that has led to accidents, gridlocks, and damage to infrastructure across the state.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the decision to subject the drivers to psychiatric testing is not meant to punish or stigmatize anyone. Instead, he explained, it is a public safety measure aimed at assessing whether individuals who show blatant disregard for traffic laws are mentally fit to operate vehicles.
“We are not out to label people or embarrass them,” Bakare-Oki said. “However, when a driver knowingly endangers lives by going against the flow of traffic, it raises serious concerns. This measure is about ensuring the safety of all road users.”
The traffic management authority noted that despite repeated awareness campaigns on road safety, illegal one-way driving remains a persistent issue in Lagos. These incidents not only compromise public safety but also reflect an alarming level of disregard for law and order, Bakare-Oki added.
The new enforcement strategy, which includes psychological assessment as part of the legal process, is part of the state’s broader vision to improve road behavior, reduce accidents, and promote responsible driving culture.
According to authorities, the evaluations will help determine the drivers’ fitness to return to the road, serving as both a corrective and deterrent action. The government hopes the initiative will send a strong message to other motorists who may be tempted to break traffic rules.
“We must go beyond arresting and prosecuting. We need to understand the root of the behavior and act decisively,” Bakare-Oki concluded.