The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed this figure today during a meeting with relevant stakeholders in the transportation industry.

Mr. Bakare-Oki further disclosed that 3,034 private vehicles were impounded, including 1,849 cars, 549 buses, and 636 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), among others.

According to the General Manager, “256 casualties were recorded during this period.”

He urged the motoring public, especially motorists to obey all traffic rules and regulations and to respect traffic managers.

“In the last six months, it has been a mix of good, bad, and ugly, but we have managed to overcome many challenges, particularly in training and retraining our personnel,” Bakare-Oki said.

“We have successfully trained 2,000 of our staff, both internally and externally.”

He revealed that over 900 personnel were trained externally in collaboration with the training department of the Nigerian Police, Lagos Command.

Additionally, more than 1,200 traffic officers received training from three different consultants on leadership skills, emotional intelligence, customer care, and incident management.

“We are undertaking these initiatives to improve our service delivery to Lagos residents. LASTMA aims to rebuild public confidence, particularly in public relations.”

Mr. Bakare-Oki announced that the authority’s call center would be launched soon and would be toll-free, accommodating English, Yoruba, and Pidgin to facilitate feedback.

Regarding enforcement, the General Manager highlighted that LASTMA began by clearing the Apapa Port area, conducting several operations to remove trucks and tankers parked indiscriminately along the Apapa route.”Apart from the Apapa corridor and Iyana-Ipaja, we also cleared areas like Idumota, Apogbon, CMS, and the Lekki-Ajah axis, improving the level of orderliness in these areas. We have made significant strides across the five divisions in Lagos in terms of enforcement, and this effort is ongoing.”

“We are committed to improving travel time for Lagos residents, especially during peak periods,” he said. Mr. Bakare-Oki added that LASTMA is taking all necessary measures to enhance traffic management in the state, including the deployment of over 2,000 traffic equipment.

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In line with the Strategic Transportation Master Plan for Lagos State, the State Government has called for the collaboration of Public Transport Bus Operators (Korope/Danfo bus drivers) as it releases the restructuring plans to improve commuting experience.

Speaking at a meeting with bus operators and Union leaders in the State, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa described the current state of bus operations on the corridor as chaotic hence the need for collaboration to successfully regulate and integrate the informal transport sector into the State’s Bus Reform Initiative using Lekki/Epe corridor as a pilot test.

He further explained that the Lekki Epe Corridor had been inspected by the Ministry of Transportation and Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority to identify limitations of seamless traffic flow along the Expressway and adjourning roads and had mapped out systematic framework to address these challenges.

Some of the planned solutions according to the Transportation Special Adviser include; the restructuring of the existing unregulated Public Transport Bus Operations on the Lekki Epe Corridor, deployment of High Capacity Buses on the corridor as stated in the Lagos Transport Policy and the Bus Route Network, re-allocation and relocation of Korope/Mini buses to inner route, re-registration and recertification of all buses.

Others added are; the Introduction of E-ticketing System, Provision of transport infrastructure (Layby, terminal etc.), Regulation and Standardization of Bus operations, improved Transportation Services i.e. Safety and Passenger Comfort and promote the security of lives and properties along the Lekki-Epe corridor.

Hon. Giwa further stated that the restructuring plan will be implemented in phases, urging Transport Operators who intend to key into the restructuring program to come to the Ministry of Transportation to register within the next two weeks. He added that the registered operators will be allotted routes by the Ministry to ensure strict compliance to the strategy.

The Special Adviser also warned that any operator who contravenes the regulations that will be implemented will be fined and will forfeit their vehicles in the event that they ignore the notice of their fines. He declared that the State Government will not accommodate willful disregard of its existing Transport Sector Reform Law.

Addressing the concerns raised by members of the Unions, The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olawale Musa explained that the State Government is counting on them to fish out unregistered operators along the Lekki-Epe Corridor, affirming that Lekki –Epe Expressway would be a pilot test for the Standardization of the transportation system in Lagos.

Earlier in the meeting the Head of Bus Services LAMATA, Dr. Amure stated that the rapid development of the Lekki/Epe axis was one of the reasons why the State Government chose the corridor to continue its Bus Reform Initiative, which started with the introduction of the Bus Rapid Transit in different parts of the State.

The Special Adviser, Hon Sola Giwa, Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olawale Musa, Acting Chairman National Union of Road Transport Workers ,NURTW, Alhaji Mustapha aka Sego and Deputy Chairman Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria RTEAN, Alhaji Taofeek Omotayo Ajayi signed a communique at the end of the meeting to affirm their support of the restructuring initiative.

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The operation, led by LASTMA Head of Enforcement Mr. Kayode Odunuga, under the directive of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, specifically targeted illegal garages that have been a persistent source of congestion and inconvenience for residents and commuters.

The Special Adviser confirmed that this impoundment exercise, which began in recent weeks, is part of a broader initiative by the Lagos State Government to enhance the efficiency of the city’s transportation network.

Giwa emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order on the roads, ensuring that all traffic regulations are strictly enforced.

“illegal garages have been a significant challenge in our quest to maintain a seamless traffic flow in Lagos. These impoundments send a strong message to all offenders that the state will not tolerate activities that disrupt public order and endanger the lives of our citizens,”

“Our goal is to create a safe and orderly environment for all road users and this action is a crucial step in that direction.”

The targeted areas, Oyingbo, Ijora, and Idumota, are known hotspots for traffic congestion due to unauthorized parking and the establishment of makeshift garages

These activities not only obstruct the free movement of vehicles but also pose safety risks to pedestrians. LASTMA’s intervention aims to clear these bottlenecks and enhance the overall traffic situation in these critical areas.

Residents and business owners have expressed their support for the government’s action, noting the positive impact it will have on their daily activities.

LASTMA has also assured the public that the operation will be sustained and extended to other parts of the city where illegal garages and related activities are prevalent.

Giwa urged all vehicle owners and operators to adhere to the state’s traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities to avoid sanctions. He reiterated that the government’s primary objective is to create a better and more livable Lagos for everyone.

He also urged motorists to take ownership of the roads and to promptly inform LASTMA of any broken down or abandoned trailers or trucks via the Agency’s hotlines: 08100565860/ 08129928503.

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As part of efforts to ensure smooth traffic flow across the state, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have sanctioned 52 commercial vehicles for operating illegal garages and parking indiscriminately around Obalende and Iyana-Oworonsoki areas of the State.

The operation was led by LASTMA’s Director of Operations, Mr. Peter Gbegemede, following the directives of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa.

Giwa confirmed that the drivers of these commercial vehicles, including private car owners, had been repeatedly warned by the government before the enforcement operations commenced. He emphasized that these operations will continue, reflecting the Authority’s zero tolerance for indiscriminate parking and any impediments to free traffic flow across Lagos.

The Special Adviser expressed his concern over the unsightly and disruptive activities of commercial bus operators, which cause significant traffic issues for innocent motorists.

“To ensure smooth and seamless traffic for Lagosians during this festive season and beyond, 52 commercial vehicles were sanctioned for obstructing the free flow of traffic at Obalende and Iyana-Oworonsoki,” stated Hon. Giwa.

“The enforcement operations will be ongoing, with zero tolerance for illegal garages and indiscriminate parking. We will also remove any impediments on our roads in Lagos.”

Hon. Giwa urged motorists to take ownership of the roads and to promptly inform LASTMA of any broken down or abandoned trailer/truck via the Agency hotlines: 08100565860, 08129928490, 08129928515, and 08129928593.

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Stakeholders present at the May edition of CARF, took this stance while reviewing the alleged less civil conducts of some officials of the state apparatus to commuters on a daily basis.

According to the community leaders who laid bare their view about the theme of the parley: Managing Transportation in Lagos as a Mega City: Opportunities and Challenges, the highhandedness of the officers at various times had grave cost for commuters and such should not continue unabated.

A Deaconess and a Pastor Tunde Odesiji from Bearer of God’s Grace Ministry jointly counseled the state enforcement agencies present urging them to apply humane posture in the conduct of their duty as human being are difficult to control, citing an instance when he and family members had their cars towed for no verified infraction.

“People are the most difficult to control even in Churches but please as you do your job, let it have a human face, coercion should not be your instrument of service, a measure of civility is required.”

Another stakeholder from Oshodi area of the state was quick to add that when officials conduct themselves properly a sane society will be the end result.

They also made mention of market traders who often take crowd the road median from five in the evening, denying motorists and other commuters access the road facilities, as well as the LAWMA trucks packed on the roads.

The representative of the state transportation law enforcement agencies present at the fora includes the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS).

The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Political legislative and Civic Engagement Dr. Abiodun Afolabi was also ably represented at the gathering.

CARF convener Comrade Debo Adeniran corroborated the stance of the stakeholders, adding that the group will not hesitate to make frantic efforts in sanitizing the agencies, where any poor conduct that undermines their image occurs.

“There are instances where the traffic lights malfunctions but your men will lay ambush for innocent motorist, to extort them, discretion ought to be applied here but people still fall victim, this forum intends to help halt the spate of attacks on your officers, so that decent men amongst them will not be assaulted by irate members of the public.

“I urge the public who likes to ply the waterway to always make use of the life jackets availed by the agency in charge if they don’t have one as their safety matters most.

Adeniran maintained basic road signs and furniture must be availed so that commuters especially drivers will be not innocently falling victim of infractions they have no prior knowledge or warning about.

He asserts that where there is enough signage and indicators on the road as well as functional traffic lights, sanity will be restored to our roads, and presence of personnel of the enforcement agencies will be minimal, if need be, for any at all.

The LASTMA Director Logistics and Engineering Mr. Oshodi Jubril Adeyemi while responding to comments at the fora harped on the importance of the Integrated, Intramodal Transport System to the state government adding that a complaint centre will soon be opened to the public to address the grey areas.

He affirmed that LASTMA frowns at any move that runs contrary to its operational model, and has made frantic effort to ensure sanity in the transportation sector of the state. He urged the group to intimate them with information of bad eggs amongst officers promising prompt corrective measure.

Engineer Olayemi Olumide VIS Head, Planning, Research and Development relayed the functional models of the body citing the four ‘S’ Sanity, Standard, Safety and Security as well as the three ‘F’ that entails Friendliness, Firmness and Fairness, he opined that the state’s investment in Automated Number Plate Recognition has paid off greatly, leading to easy operation as traffic flows seamlessly even as they do their jobs on the roads.

He however, raised concern on why the NURTW and RTEAN members were absent at the fora.

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Prince Segun Ochuko Obayendo, President of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIoTA), has thrown his weight behind the declaration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,

Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement event in Ikeja, Lagos, hosted by the Presidential Initiative on CNG, Prince Obayendo emphasized the need for a 70% reduction in custom duty on imported CNG vehicles to drive acceptability and saturation in the country.

He noted that as long as CNG vehicles are competing with diesel and petrol vehicles in terms of custom duty, Nigerians will remain reluctant to adopt the new technology. Prince Obayendo also highlighted the potential for converting existing petrol engine vehicles to CNG, and assured that CIoTA is fully behind the initiative and ready to provide the necessary skills to convert diesel and petrol engines to CNG compliance.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Standard Motor Mechanics and Technicians Association – the end-users of the initiative.

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Osun State Governor, His Excellency Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, today commissioned the Osun Drivers and Vehicle Testing Service in Oshogbo, marking a significant milestone in the state’s transportation sector.

“This is an historic continuation of our focus on the continuous and all-round development of every sector of Osun state,” Governor Adeleke declared at the event, held in Ayepe. “The transportation sector is not left out, as it is a very sensitive one that deals with human lives and must not be handled with kid gloves.”

The governor emphasized the importance of ensuring road safety, stating, “This unit will ensure that only roadworthy vehicles ply our roads, and only qualified drivers operate on our roads. Through this unit, we will also ensure that our motorcycle riders are not infiltrated by criminals.”

Prince Segun Ochuko Obayendo, speaking at the event, praised the governor’s “giant strides” which have created an enabling environment in the state, making the project possible.

“As we commission this project today, we are taking a significant step towards ensuring the safety of our roads and the lives of our citizens,” Governor Adeleke said. “I am proud of this achievement and I commend the team that has worked tirelessly to make this a reality.”

The two-lane service center, capable of inspecting 150 vehicles per day, is a testament to the state’s commitment to road safety and development.

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Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) remains committed to and will go to any length to minimize traffic incidents and ensure seamless flow of traffic in the state, the General Manager Mr Olalekan Bakare Oki has said.

Speaking yesterday, while receiving the management of leading beverage company Viju Industries, who were on a courtesy visit in his office, at the LASTMA Headquarters at Oshodi, Oki said these are in line with the mandate of the agency established in the year 2000 under the administration of Asiwaju Bola Amed Tinubu, who envisioned an agency that will revolutionize transportation in Lagos State.

Highlighting the growing influx of people from all walks of life into the state, Oki said this has contributed massively to the intractable challenge of traffic congestion which the rank and file of traffic officers have continued to battle with.

He said that LASTMA operates within the framework of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, as amended, which focuses on efficient traffic management to propel socio-economic development in the state.

Addressing the issue of illegal parking, Oki urged Viju Industries Nigeria Limited to address the parking of their trucks on Oba Akran Avenue, which disrupts traffic flow thereby inconveniencing other motorists and road users.

He equally underscored the importance of training and retraining of drivers to adapt to evolving traffic management technologies, such as the new Traffic Management Solutions (TMS) devices provided by the government to LASTMA operatives.

In response, Mr. Jonathan Ogbone, the Manager of Human Resource at Viju Industries Nigeria Limited, expressed the company’s commitment to fostering a positive relationship with LASTMA. He acknowledged LASTMA’s enforcement efforts to impound illegally parked trucks, clarifying that not all trucks around their company premises belonged to Viju Industries.

The courtesy visit signifies a step towards strengthening cooperation between Viju Industries and LASTMA, with both parties aiming to enhance traffic management and contribute to a more efficient transportation system in Lagos.

Recall that last month, LASTMA officers’ attempt to sanitize traffic flow around Viju Industries Head office at Ikeja, had resulted in violence and about four LASTMA officers’ had been injured by the mob mobilized by some of the drivers.

LASTMA had called for reinforcement which had arrested some of the attackers and impounded some trucks obstructing traffic flow around the area.

Reacting to the incident, LASTMA’s General Manager had threatened to deal decisively with any citizen who takes the law into their hands by molesting any of his officers in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He said the government would be prosecuting the arrested offenders to serve as deterrent to others who might wish to attack government officials at will.

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The Ministry of Transportation in a statement today, said it viewed with great concern, the disruption of traffic flow by patrons at fuel stations as the resulting gridlock adversely affects the economic activities of individuals and corporate bodies.

The Ministry, while advising operators of fuel stations to be orderly by ensuring that their patrons do not constitute any clog to the free flow of traffic further warns against being sanctioned for non-compliance.

Assuring that the State’s Law Enforcement Agencies are on surveillance to enforce compliance, the Ministry said it will continue to monitor the traffic situation while calling on the general public to report fuel stations disrupting movement through its hotlines; 09020004000 or 09020009000.

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President Bola Tinubu, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, host, and five Ministers, among them the Minister of Transportation Sen. Saidu Alkali, will grace the maiden edition of the Global Transport Policy roundtable, taking place on April 24, 2024, at the prestigious Marriot Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

Also expected at the talk-show, are the Ministers of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite and Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.

Disclosing this at the pre-event press conference at the BON Hotel and Residence, GRA, Ikeja, Thursday,

Musa, said: “The keynote at the event with the theme: Transport Infrastructure and Strategic Policy Intervention: Building Blocks for Economic Growth, would be delivered by Dr Alban Igwe, a seasoned global transport specialist, with over 35 years expertise in transportation, while the first panel session will have critical agencies like the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) dissect the topic: Transport Infrastructure and Regional Integration: Assessing the potential of transport infrastructure development for national integration.

“The second panel session titled intermodal transport in the 21st century: trends, developments and policies in developed nations would be handled by diplomats from embassies of France, Singapore, United Kingdom, the United Kingdom and the United States.”

According to him, the conference would also serve as the official launch of Global Transport Policy Magazine, a bilingual magazine produced quarterly with authoritative content on the transportation industry.

Also speaking, the Dr Igwe, said the Global Transport Policy Magazine would be an specialized magazine that would address the transportation business and ensure that all issues relating to seamless intermodality are addressed.

Igwe, with vast industry expertise said Nigeria is a blessed nation and urged all to continue to support the government in the onerous task of refocusing the transportation industry for the overall development of the economy.

He said the country is abundantly blessed, adding that the conferences and the magazine would help to advance the cause of the transportation industry, which according to him is the catalyst to the wellbeing of the economy.

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