KEYNOTE ADDRESS DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE, MR. BABATUNDE OLUSOLA SANWOOLU, AT THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE LAGOS STATE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (LASTMA) ON TUESDAY 15TH JULY, 2025 AT EKO HOTEL AND SUITES, LAGOS.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE, MR. BABATUNDE OLUSOLA SANWOOLU, AT THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE LAGOS STATE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (LASTMA) ON TUESDAY 15TH JULY, 2025 AT EKO HOTEL AND SUITES, LAGOS.

Protocol.

When Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office as Governor of Lagos State in 1999, he inherited a city plagued by chaotic traffic congestion, incessant road accidents, and a transportation system in disarray. Recognizing that the lifeblood of Lagos—its people and commerce—was being strangled by traffic gridlock, he conceived the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) as a bold solution to restore order, safety, and efficiency on our roads.”

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 intensified traffic congestion and road safety concerns. LASTMA was born 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. Yet, through unwavering dedication, innovative reforms, and strategic partnerships, LASTMA has overcome these obstacles. 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.

Over the past twenty-five years, LASTMA has transformed from a basic traffic control unit into a sophisticated mobility management agency. Where officers once depended solely on whistles and hand signals, they now operate with access to cutting-edge technology, including real-time traffic monitoring systems, automated number plate recognition, and digital communication platforms. The agency’s scope has expanded far beyond simple intersection management to encompass comprehensive traffic engineering, intelligent transportation systems, and strategic urban mobility planning.

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. By reducing congestion, we do more than ease the frustrations of daily travel; we directly enhance business productivity, streamline supply chains, and bolster the competitiveness of our commercial ecosystem. 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.

Capacity building has been a cornerstone, with officers receiving both local and international training in traffic engineering, emergency response, and road safety. Public enlightenment campaigns like “Drive Safely, Stay Alive” have fostered improved road user behaviour and awareness. Collaboration with key agencies such as the FRSC, LASEMA, and the Nigeria Police has strengthened emergency responses and enforcement.

The infrastructure expansion of LASTMA—including additional zonal offices, more operational vehicles, and a toll-free helpline—has significantly increased the agency’s visibility and effectiveness on the ground by enabling faster response times and wider coverage across Lagos. This enhanced physical presence is complemented by the Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1FM, which serves as a critical communication platform that extends LASTMA’s reach beyond physical deployment.

Lagos Traffic Radio, established in 2012, provides real-time traffic updates every ten minutes, broadcasts safety advisories, and disseminates public enlightenment campaigns, thereby supporting LASTMA’s mandate to manage traffic and improve road safety. The radio station leverages information from LASTMA officers on the ground and integrates live camera feeds to deliver accurate traffic reports, which helps commuters make informed travel decisions and reduces congestion.

Together, the expanded LASTMA infrastructure and Lagos Traffic Radio form a synergistic system: while LASTMA officers physically manage traffic and enforce regulations, the radio station amplifies their efforts by providing timely, reliable information to millions of Lagosians. This integration not only boosts LASTMA’s operational efficiency but also enhances public engagement and compliance, creating a more responsive and dynamic traffic management ecosystem across Lagos State.

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

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.

At this juncture, I want to specially recognize the men and women of LASTMA who have dedicated themselves, often under challenging and sometimes perilous circumstances, to the critical task of keeping Lagos moving. Your uniform represents the thin yellow line that stands firmly between order and chaos on our roads. Your commitment, resilience, and professionalism have been instrumental in transforming Lagos traffic management and ensuring the safety of millions of commuters every day. Thank you for your unwavering service and dedication.

I also pause to solemnly remember the many brave officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. To the families of these fallen heroes, we owe a debt that can never be fully repaid. Your loved ones gave their lives to protect and serve the people of Lagos, and their legacy will forever inspire us. As a government and as a community, we pledge to support you and honour their memory by continuing to strengthen LASTMA and uphold the values for which they stood.

The LASTMA of tomorrow will be a technologically empowered agency, equipped to tackle the complex challenges of 21st-century urban mobility. We are investing in intelligent transportation systems powered by artificial intelligence, automated number plate recognition, and soon, drone surveillance to enhance traffic management and incident response.

As we celebrate this silver jubilee, it is clear that efficient urban mobility requires the cooperation of all stakeholders. To our business community, transport unions, and every Lagosian, I urge partnership, openness to change, and respect for traffic laws and officers.

To our LASTMA officers, my administration remains committed to improving your welfare, training, and equipment. Your dedication and sacrifices are deeply appreciated.

Looking ahead, I envision a Lagos where traffic congestion is a thing of the past, movement is safe and efficient, and multiple transport options serve all residents. Together, and with God’s guidance, we will make Lagos the model for urban mobility in Africa. The journey continues, and the best is yet to come.

Thank you. God bless LASTMA. God bless Lagos State. 

Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu 

Governor, Lagos State

15th July, 2025