LASTMA @25: LASG Vows Zero Tolerance of Violence Against Officers | ClipTV Online

In a bold statement reaffirming his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on assaults against law enforcement, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has vowed that anyone who attacks officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Speaking through his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, during the second Lagos Traffic Conference held in commemoration of LASTMA’s Silver Jubilee on Tuesday, Sanwo-Olu celebrated the dedication and resilience of LASTMA officers, describing them as “the thin yellow line standing between order and chaos on Lagos roads.”

The event, themed “Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovations,” highlighted the achievements and future plans of the agency tasked with maintaining sanity on Lagos’ often congested roads.

“Your commitment, resilience, and professionalism have been instrumental in transforming Lagos traffic management and ensuring the safety of millions of commuters every day,” Sanwo-Olu said, while also honouring officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Embracing Technology to Tackle Urban Mobility Challenges

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that LASTMA would evolve into a technologically driven agency capable of meeting modern urban mobility demands. He revealed plans to integrate intelligent transportation systems powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), automated number plate recognition systems, and drone surveillance to improve traffic management and enhance emergency responses.

“The future of LASTMA is a digital, efficient, and citizen-friendly traffic management force,” Sanwo-Olu affirmed.

Expert Insights and Collaborative Opportunities

In his keynote address, Mr. Sridhar Uttara, President of U.S.-based engineering consultancy firm Infotran, recommended Lagos establish a Unified Mobility Control Centre and prioritize smart traffic corridors. He further urged the state to invest in AI training for traffic officers, smart mobility laboratories, and data-driven decision-making tools.

Special Adviser on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa, noted that LASTMA’s work extends beyond traffic regulation, citing their vital role in saving lives, coordinating disaster responses, and facilitating the smooth movement of goods and services within Lagos.

“Despite challenges such as population growth, driver indiscipline, and public apathy, we are implementing interventions under the visionary leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu to make lasting improvements,” Giwa said.

LASTMA Global Standards

In his goodwill message, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, hailed LASTMA as a “masterstroke of public policy in Nigeria,” praising its blend of enforcement with public dignity. He expressed sorrow for officers lost in the line of duty and called for greater public appreciation of their sacrifices.

General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, unveiled a new 20-year policy compendium for the agency, crafted by local and international transportation experts. He said the document would serve as a blueprint for LASTMA’s future operations and institutional growth.

Rewards for Excellence and Community Involvement

The conference climaxed with the recognition of students who excelled in the Lagos State Traffic Safety Advocacy Programme. Winners from primary and secondary schools received monetary gifts and brand-new iPads to encourage continuous learning and awareness on traffic safety.

The event also featured attendance from top security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the Ogun State Traffic Management Agency, underscoring a collaborative approach to traffic safety in the region.