LASTMA officers boost Lagos economy with N97.5m annual contribution

Stanley Ihedigbo

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has revealed that its officers contribute a staggering N97.5 million annually to the state’s economy through their efforts in preserving man-hours, ensuring freight mobility, and reducing accident response time.

Speaking at the agency’s Conference to mark the 25 jubilee celebration, in Lagos on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon Sola Giwa, stated that an average LASTMA officer contributes nearly N97.5 million annually to the Lagos State and because of the diligence of LASTMA officers, N400 billion is being saved annually in productivity and economic value which could have been otherwise lost to traffic gridlock.

Going down memory lane, he said, “It was with this vision that LASTMA was established on July 15, 2000, to address the perennial traffic jams that made life difficult for Lagosians, to reduce road accidents, and to promote a culture of discipline and respect on our streets.

“The goal was clear: to ensure free flow of traffic, save valuable man-hours lost in congestion, and improve the quality of life in our fast-growing metropolis.

“Today, as we celebrate 25 years of LASTMA’s service, under the theme “Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovations,” we honour that visionary beginning, the remarkable journey of progress that has followed and the enduring legacy of our collective resolve to build a megacity that works for all its inhabitants.

“The journey over the past quarter-century has not been without its trials. Lagos, as a megacity, has faced unprecedented urban growth, population explosion, and increasing vehicle numbers, all of which have intensified traffic congestion and road safety concerns. LASTMA was borne out of the urgent need to restore order on our roads and improve the daily lives of millions of Lagosians.

“In those early years, the agency confronted infrastructural deficits, limited technology, and the daunting task of changing entrenched road user behaviours,” Giwa stated.

Indeed, from the pioneering leadership of Engineer Adegboyega Coker to the current stewardship of General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the agency has evolved into a model institution admired nationwide and beyond.

It is on record that the agency’s scope has expanded far beyond simple intersection management to encompass comprehensive traffic engineering, intelligent transportation systems, and strategic urban mobility planning.

He said, “The economic imperative for efficient traffic management in Lagos cannot be overstated.

“Independent studies consistently demonstrate that every minute saved on daily commutes translates into substantial productivity gains across our economy.

“Efficient traffic flow is thus a critical driver of Lagos State’s economic growth and a cornerstone of our vision for a world-class metropolis.

Today, LASTMA boasts over 4,000 well-trained officers deployed strategically across Lagos to ensure smooth traffic flow, emergency response, and law enforcement.

“The agency has embraced digital transformation, implementing real-time traffic surveillance, Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), and a fully digitized command center, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and transparency.

“As we celebrate these achievements, we also look ahead with renewed determination.

“Lagos State is committed to leveraging technology, fostering youth engagement through initiatives like the Lagos State Traffic Safety Advocacy Programme (LASTSAP), and strengthening community partnerships to build a culture of compliance and civic responsibility.”

Giwa said, “Lagos currently holds Nigeria’s highest vehicle density, with an estimated 1.2 million vehicles registered within its boundaries, representing over 30% of the national vehicle population.”

In his remarks, General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakari-Oki, explained that the agency’s policy compendium is designed to guide the operations of the agency in the years ahead.

He said, “LASTMA Operational Guideline contains the modus operandi, mode of operation, which has been seriously scrutinized, worked upon, within and outside LASTMA. We carefully picked those who have stood out in traffic and transportation management across the globe to work on this book. On this note, I want to use this moment to unveil this book that is meant to guide us henceforth.”

“The unveiling of the 20-Year Strategic Blueprint for Traffic Management marks a transformative chapter for LASTMA and Lagos State. This visionary plan is designed to prepare our city for the challenges of rapid urbanization and future traffic demands through smarter, safer, and more efficient traffic management solutions,” he assured.