The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) digitally detected more than 38,000 traffic violations in the second quarter of 2026 as it intensified its shift from manual enforcement to technology-driven traffic management.
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, LASTMA General Manager, disclosed the figures in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, saying the agency is increasingly relying on its Traffic Management Solution devices to improve compliance and reduce dependence on physical enforcement.
In addition to the digital captures, LASTMA physically apprehended more than 3,000 vehicles for traffic violations during the same period.
Bakare-Oki said the high number of digitally captured offenders reflects the agency’s deliberate strategy to modernise traffic enforcement across Lagos. “LASTMA is trying to move from physical enforcement to technology-driven enforcement, and that is why we captured more vehicles with technology in the second quarter of the year,” he said.
He explained that physical enforcement focused on offences that significantly disrupt traffic flow across the state.
These include indiscriminate parking, failure to use designated bus stops, driving against traffic, illegal use of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes and failure to wear seat belts.
According to Bakare-Oki, motorists found violating traffic regulations are issued court summons after sufficient evidence has been established.
He stressed that only the Lagos State Mobile Court has the legal authority to determine guilt and impose fines. “After the court papers, they were taken to the Lagos State Mobile Court. It is only the Mobile Court that has the right to convict or issue fines,” he said.
He added that motorists who choose not to appear before the court may opt to complete a waiver form at LASTMA’s Legal Department, relinquishing their right to litigation after paying the prescribed penalty.
However, he encouraged offenders to appear in court to ensure they receive a fair hearing.
Bakare-Oki also urged motorists to obey traffic regulations, describing compliance as the best way to avoid sanctions.
The LASTMA boss disclosed that the agency is participating in a joint enforcement exercise to clear obstructions along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
The operation followed a directive by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the state’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
According to Bakare-Oki, the exercise aims to remove abandoned vehicles, illegal structures, refuse and other obstructions affecting traffic flow on the corridor.
The operation involves LASTMA, the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), the IRS Task Force and the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment.
LASTMA’s growing reliance on digital enforcement aligns with a broader trend among major cities adopting intelligent traffic management systems to improve road safety and reduce reliance on manual enforcement.
The agency recently expanded its technology-driven approach by deploying drones to monitor traffic, strengthen security surveillance and provide real-time aerial intelligence on congestion, road crashes and other emergencies.
According to Bakare-Oki, the drone initiative is expected to enhance incident response times and further modernise traffic management across Lagos.
