Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has directed that anyone found guilty of assaulting personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will face full legal prosecution, reaffirming the state’s commitment to protecting its traffic officials.
Speaking through his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, at the Lagos Traffic Conference held in celebration of LASTMA’s 25th anniversary, the governor condemned the rising incidents of attacks on officers and emphasized the administration’s zero-tolerance policy for such acts.
The conference, themed “Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovations,” was part of activities marking the agency’s silver jubilee. It brought together transportation experts, policy-makers, and stakeholders to assess progress and explore future reforms.
Governor Sanwo-Olu paid tribute to LASTMA officers, praising their resilience and professionalism in managing the state’s complex traffic landscape. He acknowledged the dangers they face daily and honoured those who had lost their lives in the line of duty. “These men and women form the backbone of traffic order in Lagos. Their courage in the face of hostility is what keeps this city moving,” he said.
Looking ahead, the governor unveiled plans to transform LASTMA into a technologically advanced agency capable of tackling 21st-century traffic demands. The vision includes deploying artificial intelligence, drone surveillance, and automated number plate recognition systems to enhance traffic monitoring, enforcement, and emergency response.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Sridhar Uttara, President of U.S.-based engineering firm Infotran, urged Lagos to establish a Unified Mobility Control Centre and scale up its digital infrastructure along major traffic corridors. He also recommended training officers in AI-based tools, establishing pilot smart mobility labs, and prioritizing road safety equity and research.
Special Adviser on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa, noted that the anniversary was not just a celebration but a call to action. He highlighted the broader role LASTMA plays in public safety from managing gridlocks to supporting accident rescue operations and coordinating emergency logistics.
Giwa identified several systemic challenges facing the agency, including driver indiscipline, population pressure, and widespread disregard for traffic officers, especially by commercial transport operators. “These challenges are real, but they are not impossible to overcome,” he said, emphasizing the ongoing reforms initiated under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership.
In a goodwill message, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, described LASTMA as a flagship policy success. He lauded the agency’s locally tailored approach to global urban mobility issues, calling it “a masterstroke in Nigerian public service.”
Opeifa recalled the sacrifices of officers who died while trying to restore order in high-risk areas such as Apapa, urging the public to appreciate the often-overlooked efforts of the agency. “These officers endure daily hardship to keep Lagos functional. Their service deserves our respect,” he said.
As Lagos pushes forward with its smart city agenda, the governor’s renewed pledge to protect traffic officers and modernize road management infrastructure signals a strong stance on law enforcement and public safety.