Giwa commends Lagosians’ traffic discipline during LASTMA’s 24-hour night operations

Stanley Ihedigbo

Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Honourable Sola Giwa, has commended Lagosians for their exemplary civic responsibility, discipline and adherence to traffic regulations during the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) 24-Hour Night Gang Operations carried out across the state throughout the 2025 “Detty December” festive season.

According to the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, Hon. Giwa gave the commendation at the weekend while hosting officers and men of LASTMA at the New Year White Party and Recognition of Meritorious Service, organised in honour of the Agency’s personnel.

He praised the cooperation of residents and the motoring public, describing it as a critical factor responsible for the remarkable orderliness, improved safety and operational efficiency recorded on Lagos roads during the usually high-traffic festive period.

According to him, the 2025 Detty December season, typically characterised by heavy vehicular congestion, increased night-time social activities and intense road usage, stood out for the unprecedented voluntary compliance with traffic laws by Lagosians.

He noted that this positive attitude significantly enhanced LASTMA’s operational effectiveness and ensured seamless vehicular movement along major corridors such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island and the Lekki–Ajah axis, even during late-night hours.

“The outcomes recorded during the LASTMA 24-Hour Night Gang Operations clearly reflect the growing traffic awareness and civic maturity of Lagosians. The patience, restraint and law-abiding conduct exhibited by motorists and commuters deserve unreserved commendation and public recognition,” Hon. Giwa stated.

The Special Adviser also paid glowing tribute to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support, visionary leadership and sustained commitment to infrastructural and institutional development within the transportation sector.

He stressed that the Governor’s strategic investments have continued to reposition LASTMA as a responsive, resilient and reform-driven traffic management agency.

He added that the Governor’s consistent backing, particularly in the areas of logistics support, personnel welfare, capacity building and policy direction, has empowered the Agency to operate with renewed confidence, professionalism and dedication to service.

Looking ahead, Hon. Giwa assured Lagosians that LASTMA is fully prepared to transition from conventional traffic control to a technology-driven incident management framework in the new operational year.

He disclosed that the planned transformation would involve the deployment of cutting-edge technological tools, real-time surveillance and monitoring systems, rapid-response mechanisms and data-driven operational models aimed at reducing road incidents, improving response times and enhancing overall road safety.

“In 2026, LASTMA will go beyond routine traffic regulation to proactively manage road incidents. Technology will form the core of our operations, enabling us to anticipate disruptions, respond swiftly to emergencies and ensure that Lagos roads are safer, smarter and more efficient for all road users,” he assured.

Hon. Giwa urged residents to sustain the prevailing culture of compliance, patience and mutual respect on the roads, stressing that effective traffic management is a shared civic responsibility between government agencies and the public.

The New Year Get-Together also served as a morale-boosting platform to celebrate the dedication and sacrifices of LASTMA personnel, while reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to excellence in service delivery as it enters the new year with renewed energy and determination.

Top government officials and key stakeholders were present at the event, during which officers who distinguished themselves in the diligent discharge of their duties were formally recognised and rewarded with gift items in appreciation of their exemplary service.