The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has commenced its 25th anniversary celebrations with the unveiling of a commemorative emblem, symbolizing a bold new era for one of Nigeria’s most prominent public service agencies. The event, held at LASTMA Headquarters in Oshodi, drew stakeholders from across the transportation sector, civil society, media, and government as the agency marked a quarter-century of transforming road discipline in Africa’s most populous city.
In a spirited press briefing, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, described the emblem as a symbol of endurance, growth, and continuous service to the people of Lagos. “This emblem is more than a design—it tells our story,” Bakare-Oki declared. “It captures the journey of a resilient agency, forged by the daily sacrifices of men and women who wear this uniform with pride and honour.”
A Legacy Rooted in Reform
Established in the year 2000 under the administration of then-Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, LASTMA was conceived to address the worsening traffic challenges that had plagued Lagos for decades. What began with a foundational directive through Head of Service Circular HOS/12/2000 has since evolved into a robust institution supported by key legislation, including the Lagos Road Traffic Law and the Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 (as amended).
Over the past 25 years, LASTMA has grown into a critical component of Lagos’ urban planning and mobility infrastructure. From traffic regulation to road safety education and incident response, the agency has earned recognition for its discipline, innovation, and unrelenting commitment to public service.
“From Management to Prediction” — A New Mandate
In addition to the emblem launch, LASTMA officials used the occasion to unveil a series of forward-thinking policies and programs that signal a paradigm shift in how traffic is managed in Lagos. According to Mr. Bakare-Oki, the agency has transitioned from a traditional traffic management authority to what he calls an “incident management agency.”
“We are no longer waiting for problems to occur. We are identifying them in advance and preventing them,” he said. “From relying on manual control, we are now embracing predictive traffic intelligence, deploying smart technologies, and redefining what traffic safety and efficiency mean in the 21st century.”
This transformation includes the introduction of digital tools such as body-worn Traffic Monitoring Systems (TMS) and smart surveillance infrastructure, designed to reduce human interference and increase operational transparency. Although current TMS devices face technical limitations like short recording times and storage congestion, Bakare-Oki disclosed that a phased upgrade is already underway.
“We have learned that to manage a modern city like Lagos, we need tools that can anticipate—not just react,” he explained.
3,000 to 5,000 Smart Cameras, 20-Year Traffic Master Plan on the Horizon
As part of its innovation drive, LASTMA is deploying between 3,000 and 5,000 smart cameras to critical traffic corridors across the city. These devices will work in tandem with enhanced traffic lights, automatic number plate recognition systems, and real-time data analytics to enforce road regulations and ensure smoother commutes.
According to sources within the agency, this deployment is also tied to a forthcoming 20-Year Traffic Management Master Plan, set to be formally unveiled during the main anniversary celebrations in July. The plan will lay out Lagos’ roadmap to becoming a global model for intelligent mobility and urban traffic solutions.
Changing the Narrative Around Enforcement
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Giwa Shakirudeen Olushola, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, called for a more nuanced public perception of LASTMA officers. “We often judge these officers by short moments—viral videos or roadside encounters. But we must remember, these are citizens like us, working under tough conditions to keep Lagos moving,” he said.
Giwa emphasized that traffic enforcement in Lagos is not about punishment but about public safety and behavioural change. He noted that LASTMA’s new approach will prioritize preventive measures, education, and citizen engagement over arbitrary arrests or confrontations.
Celebrating the Past, Shaping the Future
Themed “LASTMA @ 25: Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads – Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovations,” the anniversary festivities which is slated for July 15th to 17th,2025 includes a Lagos Traffic Summit, public policy dialogues, community engagement campaigns, and award ceremonies for outstanding personnel.
Hon. Giwa commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership and consistent support for transportation reform in the state. “Without the Governor’s commitment to innovation and infrastructure, we would not be here celebrating this milestone,” he said.
A Call for Public Partnership
As LASTMA looks ahead, both Bakare-Oki and Giwa reiterated that the future of traffic management in Lagos hinges not only on technology but also on public cooperation. From obeying traffic rules to respecting enforcement officers, citizens play a vital role in the success of the agency’s mission.
“The next 25 years will require more trust, more innovation, and more responsibility—both from us as an agency and from the public we serve,” Bakare-Oki concluded.
The unveiling of the 25th anniversary emblem is not just a celebration—it’s a signal that LASTMA is ready to meet the future of Lagos head-on, one innovation at a time.
