In a decisive move to restore order on Lagos roads, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has begun an aggressive enforcement operation targeting event centres, nightclubs, lounges, and organisers of large social events that obstruct traffic and disrupt public order across the state. This directive was issued by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, during a series of unscheduled surveillance exercises along traffic-prone zones in the Lagos metropolis. Road Obstruction by Events: A Growing Concern in Lagos The LASTMA chief expressed grave concern over the increasing trend of public road encroachment during social events, especially on weekends and festive periods. According to him, improper parking and crowd overflow onto public roadways are causing: “No one — regardless of their influence or status — is allowed to convert public roads into private parking spaces,” – Olalekan Bakare-Oki, LASTMA GM Government’s Position on Public Infrastructure Misuse The Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward the misuse of public infrastructure, particularly roadways. According to Mr. Bakare-Oki, any event venue — whether a nightclub, wedding hall, or lounge — found guilty of causing traffic disruption through illegal parking or road blockage will be sanctioned and possibly prosecuted under existing traffic laws. ✅ Related Post: Understanding Lagos Traffic Laws and penalties Immediate Actions Being Taken by LASTMA To ensure effective compliance, the LASTMA GM has directed all zonal commanders and field operatives to: Public Involvement and Reporting Channels Citizens are strongly encouraged to report any traffic obstruction caused by events via LASTMA’s toll-free emergency line. Community participation is key to ensuring a safe and accessible city for all road users. You can also find information on how to report via their official website. What Event Organizers Must Do Going Forward Event hosts and hospitality venue owners are advised to: This is not just a compliance issue, but a civic duty toward ensuring public safety and order in Lagos. A Shared Responsibility Bakare-Oki emphasized that managing traffic during events is a shared responsibility between organisers, venue owners, and state authorities. Ignoring traffic protocols during events reflects poor planning and disregard for public safety. “We must all work together. The streets of Lagos are not private spaces for events,” he concluded. Why This Matters to You Whether you’re an event organizer, a commuter, or a concerned Lagosian, understanding these new rules can help: Final Thoughts The ongoing crackdown by LASTMA is a timely intervention aimed at curbing urban chaos and improving the daily experiences of millions navigating Lagos roads. As public infrastructure continues to be overstretched, it’s crucial that every stakeholder does their part to support the vision of a more organized, mobile, and livable Lagos. If you found this update helpful, check out our Lagos Governance and Civic Compliance section for more actionable insights and updates.
Truck Owners Raise Alarm Over Looming Apapa Gridlock The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) has voiced concerns about a potential return of severe traffic congestion in Apapa, blaming an unfair and unregulated truck entry system at the port. Speaking with LMSINT MEDIA, AMATO’s Secretary, Mr. Sani Mohammed, pointed out that a discriminatory call-up system is worsening the situation. He stated that while some truckers follow proper procedures, others gain unhindered access, leading to frustration among those stuck in prolonged delays. Truckers Face Costly Delays at Pre-Gates According to Mohammed, truckers who pay ₦21,500 for call-up tickets often experience extended wait times at designated pre-gates. This, in turn, forces importers to spend millions on revalidating Terminal Delivery Orders (TDOs). He further alleged that certain privileged truckers exploit the evacuation call-up system and barge operations, making multiple trips while others remain stranded. “When these delayed trucks are finally released, they end up roaming the port corridor in search of TDOs. This exposes them to harassment by authorities such as LASTMA, the Police, the NPA, and the Task Force, who impound the vehicles and demand hefty fines from drivers who are victims of a flawed system,” Mohammed lamented. Call-Up Racketeering Worsens Port Congestion Mohammed highlighted that corruption, shunting, and inconsistent policies within the call-up system have led to increased congestion in Apapa. He explained that many frustrated truckers abandon the official process and opt for direct port access, further escalating traffic chaos along the corridor. Call for Urgent Reforms He urged the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to reassess the direct evacuation call-up system, ensuring a fair and transparent process to prevent a total traffic breakdown in Apapa. “If this situation is not addressed, we will soon face severe port congestion, disrupting trade, causing massive financial losses, and negatively affecting businesses and residents,” Mohammed warned. To resolve the issue, he proposed that the NPA either eliminate the direct call-up system or introduce stricter regulations for its implementation. “Apapa is slipping back into a traffic nightmare,” he cautioned. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Tragic Third Mainland Bridge accident claims one life and injures four others. Learn how rescue efforts and safety measures can prevent similar incidents. A tragic accident involving a J5 Ford bus and a Mercedes truck occurred at Ilubirin, heading toward Sura, on the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge early Monday morning. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the crash resulted in one fatality and left four others injured. Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, shared details in a statement on X.com (formerly Twitter), revealing that rescue efforts were led by General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki. The statement read:“This morning, a serious collision involving a J5 Ford bus (FKJ 724 YC) and a Mercedes truck (FKJ 746 YC) occurred at Ilubirin, inward Sura, on the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge. The incident claimed one life and left a total of five individuals affected.” LASTMA officials, supported by bystanders, swiftly began rescue operations. Four victims were extricated from the vehicles, three of whom survived. Sadly, one individual trapped in the J5 Ford bus, which was loaded with pepper and other perishable goods, succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. The survivors were rushed to Lagos Island’s General Hospital for immediate medical treatment. Preliminary investigations revealed that the J5 Ford bus suffered a brake failure while speeding, leading to a collision with the Mercedes truck. Emergency teams, including those from the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigerian Police Force, joined LASTMA in managing the aftermath. The accident caused significant traffic congestion, stretching from the site to the Unilag waterfront. However, LASTMA’s team worked quickly to clear the wreckage, remove the perishable goods, and restore normal traffic flow. LASTMA General Manager Bakare-Oki extended his condolences to the deceased’s family and stressed the importance of adhering to road safety measures, especially during the festive season. He urged drivers, particularly those handling heavy-duty vehicles, to avoid speeding and ensure their vehicles are in excellent condition before embarking on journeys. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
