LAGOS, August 4, 2025
The Lagos State Government has issued a strong warning to owners and operators of event centres across the state, cautioning them against obstructing traffic and endangering public safety during social functions and large gatherings.
Speaking through the Ministry of Transportation on Monday, the government stated that it had observed a growing trend where event venues fail to provide adequate parking, forcing guests to park indiscriminately along roadsides and pedestrian walkways. This, officials said, has led to severe traffic congestion, particularly during weekends and festive seasons, and poses a major risk to road users.
Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, stressed that traffic disruption caused by event centres would no longer be tolerated. He said the state government, in collaboration with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), will begin enforcing strict compliance, including possible sanctions, fines, or temporary closure of non-compliant venues.
According to him, event organisers must seek proper permits and ensure adequate parking arrangements before hosting any occasion. The government also reminded centre operators of their obligation under Lagos State Traffic Laws to maintain order and safety around their premises at all times.
The warning follows an increasing number of complaints from residents, commuters, and traffic enforcement agencies about avoidable gridlocks linked to event centres, especially in high-density areas such as Ikeja, Lekki, Surulere, and Victoria Island.
As part of the enforcement strategy, officials revealed that a task force has been constituted to monitor and inspect event venues during peak periods, and to ensure that violators are promptly sanctioned. The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring smooth mobility, public safety, and urban discipline in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ development agenda.
