In a determined effort to restore sanity and uphold traffic regulations across the bustling metropolis of Lagos, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has launched a comprehensive state-wide enforcement operation, targeting notorious traffic flashpoints and areas overwhelmed by disorderly vehicular activity.
The operation, which kicked off with widespread deployment of traffic enforcement officers, saw teams strategically stationed at major traffic corridors such as Oyingbo, Iddo, Eja-Lonibu, Adeniji Adele, Sabo, Jibowu Inter-State Terminal, and the always-busy Oshodi axis. Spearheading the operation is the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, acting under the directive of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa.
Within the first few days of the exercise, no fewer than 235 vehicles were impounded for violating provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018. Offences ranged from illegal parking and obstruction of vehicular movement to creating unauthorized loading bays, encroaching on pedestrian walkways, and engaging in one-way driving—otherwise known locally as “driving against traffic.”
One of the most disturbing discoveries was made on the Adeniji Adele Bridge, where enforcement officials intercepted five articulated trucks offloading livestock—including cows and rams—right on the bridge. According to authorities, the drivers were also dumping abattoir waste on-site, an act that not only contravenes both traffic and environmental laws but also poses significant risks to public health and the structural safety of the bridge. The suspects involved in this incident have since been arrested and are expected to be prosecuted accordingly.
Mr. Bakare-Oki expressed concern over the brazen disregard for public safety and traffic regulations, reiterating that this current enforcement initiative is a clear signal that the era of impunity on Lagos roads is coming to an end. He stated that reclaiming the roads for responsible users is at the heart of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader agenda for urban renewal and efficient transportation across the state.
In a related development, LASTMA operatives, working in synergy with other security agencies, apprehended 10 individuals described as notorious miscreants. These suspects were reportedly involved in disrupting free flow of traffic, harassing commuters, and operating illegal activities within key traffic corridors.
The enforcement campaign, which has been described as holistic and non-discriminatory, will be rolled out across all five administrative divisions of Lagos State—Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe. LASTMA confirmed that the operation is being supported by a combination of regulatory authority, robust logistics, and digital monitoring tools aimed at ensuring sustainability and maximum compliance.
In its public appeal, LASTMA encouraged Lagos residents to support the operation by adhering strictly to traffic regulations and reporting any form of traffic infractions or misconduct by enforcement officers. A dedicated toll-free hotline—080000527862—has been made available for such reports, with the agency assuring the public that all genuine complaints will be addressed promptly and transparently.
This clean-up exercise is aligned with the Lagos State Government’s vision to create a livable, orderly, and modern city, where public spaces, particularly roads, are utilized lawfully and responsibly. The government believes that a disciplined road culture is vital not only to decongest traffic but also to enhance the overall quality of life for millions of Lagosians.
