Sanwo-Olu vows justice for attacks on LASTMA officers, says violators will face full legal action.
Governor hails traffic agency’s 25 years of service, unveils tech-driven plans for safer Lagos roads.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has vowed that anyone who attacks officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will face the full weight of the law.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, made this pledge on Tuesday during the second Lagos Traffic Conference, held to mark LASTMA’s 25th anniversary. The event, themed “Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovations,” highlighted the agency’s contributions to urban traffic control.
In his speech, Sanwo-Olu praised the dedication and bravery of LASTMA officers, many of whom work under difficult and dangerous conditions to keep the city moving.
“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,” he said.
“Your uniform represents the thin yellow line that stands firmly between order and chaos on our roads.”
He further thanked the officers for their resilience and professionalism, stating, “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.”
The governor also honored officers who had lost their lives in the line of duty, describing their sacrifices as a reminder of the risks traffic personnel face daily.
Looking ahead, Sanwo-Olu revealed that the government is working toward transforming LASTMA into a more tech-driven agency. He said plans are underway to adopt advanced solutions such as artificial intelligence, drone surveillance, and automated number plate recognition to better monitor road activity and enhance response times.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Sridhar Uttara, President of U.S.-based engineering consultancy Infotran, called on Lagos to build a Unified Mobility Control Centre. He also advised prioritizing investments in smart mobility, including AI training for officers, pilot testing in key zones, and continuous innovation through R&D.
“There is also the need to train traffic officers in AI and data tools, invest in smart mobility labs and pilot zones, ensure equity and safety in all projects and invest in research and development,” Uttara said.
Also speaking at the event, Special Adviser on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa, emphasized that the conference was not just ceremonial but a platform for solving real problems.
“Officers of LASTMA are on the streets of the state, not only to clear bottlenecks, but also to save lives during accidents, coordinate disaster response and facilitate seamless movement of goods and services,” Giwa said.
He acknowledged ongoing hurdles, including limited infrastructure growth amid increasing urban population, poor driver behavior, and disregard for traffic laws especially among commercial drivers. Public indifference toward traffic officers, he noted, is one of the more pressing challenges.
“These are structural, behavioral and systemic challenges,” he said. “While they are not insurmountable, we still have opportunities, and they are also ongoing interventions under the forward-looking leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. We have made significant strides.”
In a goodwill message, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, described LASTMA as a uniquely Nigerian solution to a global urban challenge. He commended the agency’s role in balancing law enforcement with civic dignity.
“LASTMA remains the master stroke of public policy in Nigeria; they are designed to balance enforcement with people’s pride,” Opeifa said.
He also paid tribute to officers who died while on duty, especially those working to maintain safety around the Apapa axis.
“I know some of the dead officers shown, this is when they were trying to make Apapa safe,” he said. “That is the nature of what LASTMA is, you need to see these men work, suffering just to keep Lagos moving, they should be appreciated.”
