As a “model institution admired nationwide and beyond,” Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority on Tuesday for its transformation into a tech-driven mobility agency.
The governor discussed LASTMA’s creation in 2000 by then-Governor Bola Tinubu to alleviate the state’s debilitating traffic congestion while speaking at the agency’s 25th anniversary celebration, which was hosted at the Eko Hotel and Suites.
According to Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy Obafemi Hamzat, “he inherited a city plagued by chaotic traffic congestion and conceived LASTMA as a bold solution to restore order, safety, and efficiency on our roads.”
Sanwo-Olu emphasised the agency’s evolution, stating that LASTMA has shifted from employing hand signals and whistles to implementing digital communication systems, automatic number plate identification, and real-time surveillance.
He predicted that the LASTMA of the future will be a technologically advanced organisation driven by automated number plate identification, artificial intelligence, and soon, drone monitoring.
He pointed out that the agency now uses a fully digital command centre to handle traffic, with more than 4,000 personnel spread around Lagos.
“We directly improve business productivity, optimise supply chains, and strengthen the competitiveness of our commercial ecosystem by reducing congestion,” he stated.
Additionally, Sanwo-Olu commended the collaboration between Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1FM and LASTMA.
“Lagos Traffic Radio and the expanded LASTMA infrastructure work together to create a synergistic system that makes the traffic management ecosystem more dynamic and responsive,” he said.
The governor commemorated fallen officers who died in the line of duty while praising the commitment of LASTMA staff.
“The narrow yellow line that firmly separates order from anarchy on our highways is symbolised by your uniform. We promise to stand with you and pay tribute to them,” he said.
In addition to urging Lagosians to support traffic rules and officers, he announced a 20-year strategic framework for traffic management.
Sanwo-Olu came to the conclusion that “we will work together to make Lagos the model for urban mobility in Africa.”
